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MEMOIRS 



OF THE 



LIFE, 



AND TRAVELS, 



IN THE SERVICE OF THE GOSPEL. 



OF 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 



PHILADELPHIA : 
PRINTED AND SOLD BY KLMBER, CONRAD, ^ CO 

NO. 93, MARKET STREET, 

AND NO, I7O5 SOUTH SECOND STREET. 

1807. 









^03 



PREFACE. 



THE editor of the following memoirs had near- 
ly concluded to present them to the reader with- 
out any preface ; but two reasons operate to induce 
him to prefix one» One is the v/ish of a dear and 
very intimate friend of the deceased^ who knew 
her better than most persons when she was here ; 
and who feels a few hints, respecting her and her 
memoirs, somewhat incumbent on her to give, now 
Sarah Stephenson is removed, and the memoirs 
about to be made public. The other motive is to 
give also a few hints of the editor's share in the 
compilation. To begin with the first, and chiefly 
in the words of the friend. 

It seems desirable tliat the following accounts, 
left by Sarah Stephenson, of her life and religious 
engagements, by showing the sufficiency of that 
grace, by which she was what she was, may tend 
to the encouragement of others to walk by the same 
rule, and to mind the same thing [namely the in- 
ward revelation of the divine will.] Conducive to 
this is that waiting on the Most High, to which be- 



4 PREFACE. 

longs the promise of a renewal of strength, of run- 
ning without weariness, of walking without being 
faint ; which was much the experience of this be- 
loved friend. And though many and deep were 
the baptisms, on her own, and others' account, in 
order that Truth might be exalted in the earth ; 
yet the sweet, and frequent enjoyment of divine 
peace was her abundant reward. 

May the perusal of these memoirs so affect the 
youth, into whose hands they may fall, with the 
love and admiration of virtue, heavenly virtue, 
Christian virtue, as to raise a heart-felt petition, 
similar to that w^hich Sarah herself, when a child, 
was engaged to put up, when she was reading the 
lives, and happy conclusions of the faithful. ' Of- 
ten,' said she, ' have I been led to make a pause, 
and crave of my heavenly Father, Be thou pleased 
to make me like unto these thy servants, whatever 
my sufferings in this life may be. If thou wilt be 
with me in the way that I go, give me bread to eat, 
and raiment to put on, thou shalt be my God, and 
I will serve thee.' Thus making and keeping cove- 
nant in early life, she witnessed the declaration to 
be fulfilled, " Godliness is profitable to all things, 
^' having the promise of the life that now is, and of 
^^ that which is to come." Frequently in the de- 
cline of life, when engaged to speak of the good- 
ness of Israel's ShepTierd, she had encouragingly 
to testify that he had not only, graciously fed and 



FREFAGE* 5 

clad her ; but had been with her, all her life ; and 
she earnestly desired that others, for themselves, 
might taste and see that the Lord is good. 

As many of those to whom she has expressed 
this desire, will, probably, peruse her fragments, 
and thereby afresh recollect her labours of gos- 
pel love towards them, it may be profitable for such 
to examine whether, and how far, the designed 
purpose has been answered, as it respects each of 
them, individually ; — whether, unhappily, the vi- 
sitation of heavenly kindness, extended through 
her, hath been only as a morning cloud, and as the 
early dew, that goeth away; — or whether it has 
been abode under so duly, as that an account of it, 
and of other favours, may be finally given up with 
joj^ and thankfulness to the Giver of every good, 
and perfect gift. 

As to the other part, these memoirs were left in 
detached pieces ^ and consequently, though each 
might be lively, and therefore valuable, they did 
not form a satisfactory whole. This deficiency is 
attempted to be supplied by private information, 
by searching the records of meetings, and by other 
means, and the editor has sometimes taken the liber- 
ty of a little varying the phrase of the parts, where 
the narration runs in the first person ; and now and 
then of supplying a few Avords. The names of the 
place of abode of persons incidently mentioned arc 



6 PREFACE. 

of this sort, as every where are the words inserted 
between brackets. These few hints the editor has 
thought due to simple literal truth, sometimes too 
much overlooked ; he desires to join his fellow- 
prefacer in her wishes for the religious usefulness 
of the book ; and he inclines to acknowledge the 
pleasantness of the task of transcribing and revi- 
sing ; which though an inferior, seem a necessary- 
part of the promotion of the cause of Truth, by 
means of books. 



8th of the First Month, 180r. 



CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS. 



CHAP. I. Events iji 1738 — 1767. 

Her birth — early preservation and visitation — re- 
moved to Worcester— visit of E. Ashbridge and 
S. Worral — removed to the Isle of Man — ^her 
exercises there — returns to England — decease 
of her father — settles a while at Lancaster — 
first appears in the ministry at Worcester — 
Welch yearly meeting — settles in Wiltshire. 



CHAP. II. 1767—1772. 

Visits Cumberland — Western counties — first en- 
gaged in a family visit — goes to the men's 
meeting at Lavington — exercises, and relief, 
with reflections — death of a young child, a re- 
lation — account of meetings in Wiltshire. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. III. 1772— irr9. 

Visit to Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, &c. — ^to 
Dorset, Hants, London, &c. — Dorset and- 
Somerset — Circular Meeting — London — fami- 
ly visit in Wilts — Devonshire and Cornwall — 
indisposition, and exercise — family visits in 
London— in Bristol^ — extract from a versified 
address. 

CHAP. IV. 1780—1781. 

Visits Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire — families 
at Sheffield — Ackworth School^ — ill at Leeds — 
visits families there, and at Lancaster — Thomas 
Gawthorp— ^Westmoreland, Cumberland and 
Scotland — families there — and at Newcastle, 
Shields and Sunderland — Mabel Wigham — 
visits Durham — families at Kendal — and a se- 
cond time at Lancaster — Coalbrookdale and 
North Wales — a meeting in a grave-yard, 
Builth — ^three of her written memorandums. 

CHAP. V. 1782—1785. 

Visits families at Worcester, and in her own 
Monthly Meeting— visits Ireland with Hannah 
Bevington — decease of Isaac Gray—meets with 



CONTENTS. 



Thomas Cash, John Pemberton, and Thomas 
Ross — various family visits, particularly at 
Cork. 



CHAP. VI. 1786—1792. 

Visits Hampshire, Kent, Surry, Somerset, Devon, 
Dorset, Cornwall — a written Soliloquy — ^visits 
the Northern and Midland counties — extract of 
a letter — visits families in Hants, Eastern, 
Northern, and Midland Counties — second fami- 
ly visit at Sheffield, and at Kendal — ^family visit 
at Birmingham. 



CHAP. VII. 1792—1797. 

Two memorandums — visits the North again — 
Ackworth School — Esther Tuke — Edmburgh 
—John Wigham — Glasgow, Cornwood, and 
Allandale — Meetings in Durham and York- 
shire — families at Whitby and Scarborough — 
York Quarterly Meeting — Deborah Townsend 
— families at Pickering and Hull, &c. — a third 
time at Lancaster — ^families at Liverpool — 
Esther Tuke near her close — families at 
Mansfield — Coalbrook-dale— Ann Summerland 
extract of a ktter — ^visits families in some South- 
ern and Western counties — a visit to part of the 



10 CONTENTS. 

Eastern and southern counties — families at 
Norwich — at Lynn, and Yarmouth— -at Col- 
chester. 

CHAP. VIII. 179r— 1800. 

Two experiences — -journey to Wales — extract of 
a letter — ^yearly meeting — three memorandums 
— visits Ireland again — her letter relative to that 
subject — short account of the journey — letter 
from Cork — from Castlebank — from Rathfri- 
land — extracts from others — an experience — 
paper found without date. 

CHAP. IXo 

Visit to America — Letters — ^leaves home — em- 
barks — the voyage — New York — family visit 
there — ^yellow fever — Long Island — various 
services — quits New York — journey to Phila- 
delphia — family visit in Pine-Street Meeting — 
laid up — goes to Germantown — ^soon returns 
to the city — confined to the chamber — visit of 
Mehetabel Jenkins — state of mind, and expres- 
sions near the close — Her decease — abstract of 
a testimony, &:c. — conclusion. 

An Abstract of the Testimony of the Monthly 
Meeting of Wiltshire. 



CHAP. I. 

Her birth — early preservation and visitation — 
removed to Worcester — visit of Eo Ashbridge 
and S. Worral — removed to the Isie of Man — 
her exercises there — returns to England — de- 
cease of her father — settles a while at Lancaster 
^-^first appears in the ministry at Worcester. — - 
Welch yearly meeting — settles in Wiltshire. 

SARAH STEPHENSON, some of the 
occurrences of whose life are related in the 
following pages, was born at Whitehaven, 
in Cumberland, in the year 1738. Her pa- 
rents were Daniel and Sarah Stephenson, of 
whom she was the elder daughter. Her 
mother was the daughter of Joseph Storrs, 
of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Of events 
which were her lot in her childhood and 
youth, of her conflicts and consolations, and 
her preservation from harm and evil, at 
those stages of life, the subsequent account 
is nearly in her own words. 



12 MEMOIRS OF 

^ The remembrance of the great love and 
tender care, of the Shepherd of Israel, who 
sleepeth not by day, nor slumbereth by 
night, over me, from my infant days to the 
present time, is cause of deep admiration, 
reverence, and abasement of soul. 

* When I was about six years of age, I 
had a narrow escape of being burned to 
death, by falling on the fire when no one else 
was in the room. My throat was so much 
burned that the surgeon said, that if I had 
lain a little longer, the fire would have 
reached the wind-pipe. This preserva- 
tion, a^ also another, by which my soul 
was signally rescued from the jaws of the 
devourer, in very early life, I attribute only 
to Him, who hath, in the course of my pil- 
grimage, succoured me in many deep and 
proving seasons ; and hath borne up my 
head hs above the mighty waters, even when 
the waves have risen so high as to appear 
likely to overwhelm me. O, my soul, 
may est thou never be unmindful of the 
Lord's unutterable goodness; but walk hum- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 13 

bly and reverently before him ; who is abun- 
dant in mercy, and great loving kindness ! 

* It may not be improper to mention, that 
my father carried on a very considerable bu- 
siness in the mercantile way, and had gained 
much property. This, and living in what 
is called a genteel stile, and being introduc- 
ed into company of high rank wlien very 
young, so pleased my natural disposition, 
that I began to take steps in the paths of 
.vanity. But, whilst I was thus pursuing 
with eagerness, what are called by some in- 
nocent diversions, the -Good Shepherd, who 
seeketh after those that are gone astray, 
looked down upon^ne in love, and so ena- 
moured my soul with his beauty, that I 
loved to be alone with him. O, how sweet 
was his presence ! But this lasted not long ; 
for the enemy painted the glory of this de- 
lusive world in such pleasing colours, that 1 
too much forsook the Prince of Peace, and 
proceeded still a little farther in the paths of 
vanity. 

' My father, as I have mentioned, was 
trading largely ; and he so extended his bu- 

B 



14 MEMOIRS OF 

siness that he could not himself have the 
oversight of it. This was attended with loss- 
es, and many disappointments ; and at length 
occasioned the separation of the family. My 
uncle, William Storrs, of Chesterfield, took 
me to Worcester, to my mother's sister 
Hannah, who w^as married to Samuel Cor- 
byn of that place : and there, being afrrsh 
favoured with a precious visitation, I was 
mercifully previled on to xylose in with it. 

^ After I had been in that city a few 
months, those worthy servants of the Lord, 
Elizabeth Ashbridge and Sarah Worral, 
from America, came to my uncle's house, 
and, I think, staid some days. During this 
time, one evening, Elizabeth, in a very 
weighty manner, addressed me in the Ian- 
gliage of unspeakable love : remarking also> 
* What a pity that child should have a rib- 
' bon on her head.' Her words were pierc- 
ing, and deeply affected my mind. I do 
not know that I closed my eyes to sleep 
that night ; and in the morning, not daring 
to put on my ribbon, I came down without 
ito Yet 1 had many fears, expecting to be 



SARAH STEPHENSON, 15 

censured by one of the family, as having left 
it off to get the favour of the friends : and 
from this unjust ground, the enemy caused 
many seasons of sorrow. This was cona.- 
ing a little to the gate of stripping, which 
work went gradually forward ; but great 
were my trials, both from within and with- 
out. Indeed my conflicts were so great, 
that I might say, ^* I ate my bread with 
'^ mourning, and mingled my drink with 
♦Vtears;'' — ^but then, O, what precious 
meetings I had at times ! my spirit was so 
broken j that Fcould scarcely contain myself. 
Here were also divers weighty valuable 
friends, whose near sympathy with me was 
great, and was a comfort to me. It likewise 
pleased divine wisdom, while I remained at 
Worcester, to permit me to be attacked with 
a slow fever,which reduced me to such ^ 
state of weakness, that it seemed not unlike- 
ly I might sink under it. But that did not 
prove to be the design of unerring wisdom ; 
but rather to make it preparatory to fresh ex- 
ercise, and trial of faith. In this time of 
great weakness and reduction of will, my 



16 MEMOIRS OF 

mind was sweetly supported, and, at seasons, 
favoured with the overshadowing of divine 
love : under which my soul did humbly and 
thankfully rejoice. 

* When I was a little recovered from this 
illness, a trial of a close nature was my por- 
tion, I received a letter from my father, 
who, in a pressing manner, requested my 
going home to live with my dear parents, 
whom I had not seen for seven years. 
For in my absence, they had removed, to- 
gether with my sister and my youngest bro- 
ther, to Douglas, in the Isle of Man : at 
which place m ere no others of our society, 
and the inhabitants were much strangers to 
it. Great were the struggles and fears 
that attended my poor mind, and prayer 
was begotten that, by obeying my natural 
parent, I might not offend my heavenly 
Father, who had so richly visited my soul. 
But the Lord was pleased so to open my 
way, that it appeared right to go; yet O, 
the fears that covered my mind, lest I should 
bring a reproach on the truth. My humble 
cries were put up unto him for preservation ; 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 17 

and he was mercifully pleased to hear, and 
measurably to ^mswer, my petitions. In 
this humbled state I left Worcester, being 
favoured with the love and sympathy of 
many worthy friends in it and in the neigh* 
bourhood^ Catherine Pay ton, who then liv- 
ed at Dudley, was one, who wrote a sweet 
consolatory letter to a friend, which was 
given to me to peruse : in which she said, 
^ If she must go, let her take some Friends' 
^ books with her; and may she be preserv- 

* ed, like Lot in Sodom, a preacher of 

* righteousness.' 

* I went on horseback to Liverpool, where 
I was kindPf received by an agent of my fa- 
ther, to whom he had written to procure me 
a passage; and his wife, being a tender 
spirited religious woman, was like a mother 
to me. She was not of our society. I staid 
at Liverpool about two weeks before I could 
get a conveyance, in which time many 
friends took kind notice of me, and I con- 
tracted a near affection for some of them. 
I believe their minds were drawn in true 
love -to me ; and, being grounded, I trust, 
B 2 



18 MEMOIRS 01 

on that foundation that is not to be shaken, 
it has stood many years, and, I hope, will re- 
main. But this favour was the great Mas- 
ter's kindness, for which, with multiplied 
mercies, vouchsafed to me, a poor worm, 
may my soul reverently and devotedly fol- 
low him. 

* I went on board one of the packets, with 
my mind humbly turned to the great Pre- 
server of men, whose ways are in the deep, 
and beheld in the mighty waters ; but, 
though it was quiet, I was soon sick and 
went to bed, the sea being rough and the 
vessel leaky ; and in the night there was 
such a storm, that it seemed likely we should 
be lost. The poor seamen were in great 
confusion, and I in the cabin alone, not ex- 
pecting to see the light of another day. But 
O, the unutterable love of Christ, who, in 
this time of great danger was pleased to be 
near, and he kept my mind in a sweet calm, 
so that had he been pleased to permit the 
sea to be my grave, that night, I believe my 
spirit would have been mercifully received 
into everlasting rest. O my soul, mayst 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 19 

thou never be anmindful of his manifold 
mercies and deliverances, and walk in fear 
and humble obedience all the remainder of 
thy days^ that when the close approaches, 
thou may St be ready to enter, with the 
glorious bridegroom, into the marriage 
chamber. 

' The storm abating, we w^ere favoured to 
arrive, the next day, at our intended port ; 
where I was received by my near relations 
with affection ; but my new situation open- 
ed new trials. Here I was as one alone, and 
viewed myself like a sparrow upon the 
house-top, a pelican in the wilderness, or 
an owl in the desart. O, the many exer- 
cises that I passed through ! the Lord only 
know^s them; but my prayers being strong 
to him for preservation, he was pleased to 
hear my cry, and at seasons to feed and com- 
fort my needy soul. I found my safety to 
depend on keeping much inward, and not 
mixing with the people ; though some of the 
gcnteeler sort showed me marks of respect, 
and invited me to their houses ; but I de- 
dined going, for their company was bur- 



20 MEMOIRS OF 

thensome to lire. I used to walk in the 
fields alone, save my dog, who was my* 
constant companion. O, I can feelingly 
sympathize with honest minds, who are re- 
motely siiiiated and placed as alone : and I 
wish also to encourage them singly and stea- 
dily to lean upon, and trust in, the God of 
Israel, who will not leave or forsake his poor 
wrestling seed ; but will work deliverance 
for them, in the way that is best. 

* Hearing that two women were come to 
the island, who were said to be Quakers, I 
went to see them, in hopes of having in 
them companions in the right way ; but, to 
my painful disappointment, I found them 
playing at cards : so I visited them no more* 

' Though many were the trials, yet I had^ 
and have, cause to believe that my going to 
the island was right. One of these trials, 
which came very near to me, was this. My 
dear father, whom I tenderly loved, and who 
loved me much, requested me to do some- 
thing which I felt was opposite to the cross 
of Christ; and there were present at the time 
one or two of those called gentlemen ; but, not 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 21 

daring to offend the precious Witness, I de- 
clined the compliance, though it was a great 
trial to offend my dear father. None but 
those alike circumstanced can tell how great 
is the trial in such a case. My dear parent 
was so displeased that I should disobey him, 
that it was a considerable time before he was 
reconciled. I endeavoured by watchful at- 
tention and obedience, to evince from what 
the refusal arose; and after a time his love 
not only returned, but I think was greater 
than before ; sa what abundant cause there 
is to trust in the Lord Jehovah, who has a 
right to be loved, honoured, and obeyed 
above alL 

^ When I had been on the island about a 
year and a half, nry dear mother one day as- 
ked me if I should like to go and see my 
friends in England that summer. I then 
made but little answer to her kind offer; but, 
being deeply humbled and very desirous to 
be rightly directed, a great fear came over my 
mind, lest, by being gratified in what was 
so very desirable, the company of valuable 
friends, I should be going away from that 



22 MEMOIRS OP 

sufFering, which possibly, was my proper al- 
lotment; and so, instead of being strength- 
ened and comforted, should suffer loss. In 
this deeply tried state I remained several 
days ; for thus, in wisdom it pleased my 
heavenly Father to prove me, whether I 
would move without his counsel or not. I 
supplicated on the bended knees of my mind, 
and sometimes of my body also; and he, in 
his own time,, was pleased to break in upon 
my soul, and utter the language. Go, and I 
will be with thee. Then, O, the reverent 
thanksgiving that flowed from my poor sup- 
pliant spirit ! It may be best conceived by 
those who have trodden a like path. I be- 
lieved with my w^hole heart, and can say 
that all the promises of Adorable Goodness 
are indeed Yea and Amen for ever ! 

' After being thus favoured, I informed my 
dear parents, that as they were so kind as to 
propose my having the pleasure of visiting 
my friends, I should be glad to accept of it. 
My dear father then went with me to a ves- 
sel which was ready to sail for Liverpool ; 
and putting me under the care of a captain of 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 23 

another ship who was a passenger, we part- 
ed, and I never saw my dear parent more : 
for he died before I returned. Had I gone 
without sensibly feeling the approbation of 
the Redeemer of mankind, I think the trial 
would have been much greater than it was, 
though it was indeed a close one. 

' I arrived at Liverpool, and was kindly 
received by my friends, ami thence went to 
the Northern Yearly Meeting held that year, 
(namely, 1762) at Bolton, in company with 
William Rathbone, and his sister. 

* There was Catherine Pay ton, also Sa- 
muel Fothergill, and others of the Lord's 
faithful servants, many of whom were affec- 
tionately kind to me. From Bolton I went 
to Chesterfield and to Worcester, and into 
Wiltshire. After having visited my rela- 
tions in these places, I returned into the 
North, to Lancaster, where I had a letter 
informing me that my dear father was ill, and 
I set off in hopes of seeing him, but he was 
dead and buried before I could reach home : 
which was not a small trial ; but in this I 
have had to trace deep and hidden wisdom. 



24 MEMOIRS Olf 

' Now, to return a little to my first going- 
home, I had cause to beHeve it was in right 
ordering, and that it was of some use to my 
dear sister, who was quite in the gaiety of 
the voild ; though there was no evident ef- 
fect till after my father's decease. The win- 
ter coming on, we concluded to remain on 
the island till spring, and ♦'hen we all remov- 
ed to Liverpool. My youngest brother, 
who was, I think abor.t ten or eleven years 
old, was sent to school ; my srister, after a 
fevr months, went to Birmingham ; and my 
mother and I were left. After a while, my 
mother inclined to give up housekeeping, 
and to have an apartment in the house of a 
valuable friend. When she was settled 
there, much to her own satisfaction, I went 
to Lancaster, to my cousin William Dill- 
worth, who had written to request that I 
would come to be as one of his own children. 
Indeed he was a most tender father, and his 
daughters as my own sisters. The families 
also of my cousins Thomas Dillworth and 
John Bradford, were such families of love, 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 25 

that they also seemed like so many fathers 
and mothers to me. 

* I may now mention that while I was at 
Liverpool 1 had a prospect of the awful ser- 
vice of the ministry ; and after being a while 
at Lancaster, my cousin John Bradford had 
a sense of it, and mentioned it in a private 
opportunity. But, oh, I saw myself such a 
poor creature, and the work so awfully great, 
that I did not give up to it during the two 
years I was there, nor until sore trials made 
me willing ; though I was once so near obey- 
ing the heavenly call, that my hand was put 
x)n the seat before me, to help myself up 
upon my feet. But O, the fears which kept 
me back, and the bitter cups which they oc- 
casioned. I believe they would never have 
been my portion, had I simply followed 
Hii!h who had been my support in many 
seasons of deep distress, and my sweet 
comforter in the day of trouble. 

^ During this exercise, a further trial at- 
tended me. I received information from 
Liverpool that my dear mother was so very 
poorly, that it was needful for me to come 

C 



26 MEMOIRS OF 

speedily to her, I hastened thither accord- 
ingly, though it was pinching to me to leave 
my dear relations at .Lancaster, and, finding 
her very unwell, I istaid with her a consider- 
able time ; and as her complaints rather 
increased, my mind was deeply exercised 
beyond what I can well express. About 
this time we received a letter from our re- 
lations in Wiltshire, inviting iis to go there, 
and hoping a journey might be of service. 
As my mother was willing to try, we set out 
and got to Worcester, where we made a lit- 
tle stay. Here my gracious Lord and law- 
giver was pleased to lay a concern weightily 
upon me, to enter on that great work of the 
ministry ;. and in one of the meetings, in 
which were two valuable ministers, who had 
something very weighty to drop, and who 
had a sense of my state, the power of Truth 
was such, that I dared no longer to delay ; 
and in awful fear stood up, having these ex- 
pressions given to me, " Cry aloud, Spare 
^' not. Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, 
*' and show my people their transgressions, 
^^and the house of Jacob their sins.'' I 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 27 

^\^s then sweetly comforted, and, being fa- 
voured with the unity of the Lord's faithful 
servants, it was very strengthening to my 
poor doubting mind. 

* After staying a week or two at Worcest- 
er, my dear mother gradually getting better, 
we set out for Wilts, and after remaining a 
few weeks there, I left my mother finely re- 
covered at my uncle John Fry's, and went 
to see my relations in Bri^itol. Here, as well 
as when in Wiltshire, I was at times en-^ 
gaged to appear in a short testimony, which 
seemed acceptable to Friends, and the solid 
part took a kind notice of mc. Dear William 
Fry (of Bristol) was an encouraging father 
in the truth. While at Bristol, my mind 
was deeply engaged under a sense of duty, 
to attend the Welch Yearly Meeting, to be 
held at Builth (in Brecknockshire, the 5th of 
the 5th month, 1767.) Being young, and 
knowing of no friends going thither, I was 
much sunk ; but on making my state of 
mind known to one or two friends, my way, 
as to the outw. rd, was made easy. Cathe- 
rine Pay ton, Rachel Wilson, and divers 



28 MEMOIRS OF 

Others who were there, were as nursing 
mothers to me ; but what was above all, 
was the presence of my dear Redeemer, en- 
abling me to do what little service he was 
pleased to require: with which, I had cause 
to believe Friends had good unity. This 
was cause of humble thankfulness to the 
God of my life, who remains to regard the 
dust of Zion, and to satisfy her poor with 
bread, O my soul, mayst thou ever fear, 
and walk reverently before Him who is the 
dread of nations. 

' I returned pretty directly from this meet- 
ing to Bristol, with the reward of sweet 
peace for this little service. After staying 
there some months, I had a letter from my 
uncle John Fry, requesting I would come to 
Sutten where he resided, my cousin Kathc- 
rine (his daughter) being likely to be married. 
I did so ; and she was married a little time 
after (viz. the 2d of the lOth month, 1767) to 
Edward JefFerys, of Whitley, near Melks- 
ham, a steady valuable friend ; and I went 
with my cousin to her new habitation.' 



SARAH STEPHENSOK. 2& 



CHAP. 11. 

Visits Cumberland — Western counties — first en- 
gaged in a family visit — goes to the men's 
meeting at Lavington — exercises, and relief, 
with reflections — death- of a young child, a 
relation — account of meetings in Wiltshire.. 

IT appears by the foregoing relation^ 
that Sarah Stephenson first appeared as a 
public minister in Worcester in the year 
1767, and, by a comparison of dates^ in the 
29th year of her age. She was then a mem- 
ber of the Monthly Meeting of Hardshaw, 
in Lancashire, of which Liverpool meeting 
forms a part ; but she was recommended the 
same year, by a certificate of removal, with 
her mother, to the Monthly Meeting of 
Chippingham in Wiltshire, in the compass 
of which was Sutton Benger, the residence, 
as has been said, of her uncle John Fry. 
Gf this Monthly Meeting she had nat been 
long a member, before she applied for its 
concurrence in a service which lay before 
her. This was doubtless her first applica^ 

C 2, 



30 MEMOIRS or 

tion of the kind, and the Meeting, adverting 
to what may be called the infancy of her 
mini^^try, certified that she had lately ap- 
peared in a short but lively testimony ; 
that she was in good unity with it ; and that 
her life and conversation corresponded with 
her appearance and profession. The cer- 
^ tificate, which was granted in the third 
Month, 1768, was addressed to Friends of 
Worcester, or elsewhere, yet she has not 
left an account of her visit to them ; but 
only thus relates the other part of her errand, 
nearly in the following words : 

'In the spring, 1768,' says she, * my 
mind was strongly impressed with a sense 
of duty, to visit the meetings in Cumber- 
land, my native county. Accordingly I set 
forward and got safe to Lancaster. Thence 
to Carlisle, where the Yearly Meeting (for 
the Northern counties) was held, I had the 
company of my dear cousin William Dill- 
worth, Sarah Taylor of Manchester, and 
Esther Tuke of York. The latter had in- 
tended after the Yearly Meeting was over, 
to visit the meetings in the county ; and. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 31 

being informed of my prospect, kindly took 
me under her wing, and was indeed a ten- 
der mother in the truth. After her return 
home, she wrote me an instructive and af- 
fectionate letter, signifying she felt the want 
of my company after I had left her. This 
tended to strengthen my poor mind in hum- 
ble hope, that my moving was in His coun- 
sel, who leaveth not his little striplings, as 
they confide in him alone, and keep under 
his holy government. I returned pretty 
directly home, with sweet peace of mind. ^ 

In the year 1769, she attended the Year- 
ly Meeting, as it should probably seem for 
the first time, and, by her own account, she 
visited meetings in Essex. She met there 
with tender sympathizing friends ; but 
says she, the greatest of all favours was that 
of having the company of the Ancient of Days 
who was mercifully near to help, and afford- 
ed strength to answer his own requirings, 

* In 1770, I visited, she continues, the 
counties of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. 
One night I slept in a damp bed, which 
much affected my health/ When we got to 



32 MEMOIRS OF 

Kingsbridge, (for it seems she had a com- 
panion) I was very poorly ; but being at the 
house of William Prideaux, his wife, who I 
believe was a faithful servant of Jesus 
Christ, was affectionately kind, and, being 
dipped into the low and closely exercised 
state of my mind, was made a messenger of 
consolation to me. She was one of those 
who sat much at her dear Lord and Mas- 
ter's feet. With him, she w'as frequently 
permitted to sup, and I believe he many 
times supped with her, supporting her exer- 
cised and deeply proved spirit. In this 
journey, He who openeth and none can shut, 
was many times near, to support, and abili- 
tate to do what he was pleased to require,^ 
for which and his abundant goodness many 
ways, may my poor spirit ever love, fear, 
and obey him ; for He is worthy for ever.^ 
For this journey, she had the certificate 
©f Chippenham Monthly Meeting, which 
was granted in the eighth month, and re- 
turned in the twelfth. The year 1771 
must therefore be assigned for her first em- 
ployment in a service in which she was dur« 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 3S 

ing the remainder of her life so much engag- 
ed, namely the visiting of Friends in their 
families. The origin of this, she describes 
nearly as follows : 

* A very close exercise came now on my 
mind in a line in which I had not been en* 
gaged. He who is pleased, in condescend- 
ing love,^ to open, to the understandings of 
his children, his blessed will, through the 
Spirit of his dear Son Jesus Christ, our 
Mediator and Advocate, was pleased to lay 
a concern on me to visit the families of 
Friends at Melksham ; a line of service then 
so new, and particularly so in this county, 
that I apprehend few, if any, could remem- 
ber a visit of this kind having been paid in 
it. From a view of being such a poor, 
weak, and contemptible instrument, I fre- 
quently adopted the language of Gideon, 
^^I am the least in my Father's house;" 
and, from an apprehension of great unfitness^ 
was very desirous of being excused, en- 
deavouring to persuade myself that the Lord 
would remove the concern from me ; till, in 
compassionate regard, he was pleased to ad- 



34 MEMOIRS OF '■ 

minister sickness, and to suffer distress of 
mind to attend.. In this time I was brought 
very low, and, in my own apprehension, had 
every symptom of a decline, except a cough; 
so that I looked for the messenger of deadi, 
\vith a desire to pay the debt due to my 
friends, by a sacrifice of life. But, oh, when 
I looked up w^ith desire of beholding the 
gates of mercy open for my reception, it 
seemed clear to me, that if I did not obey 
the discovery that had been made, it would 
remain, as T then saw it, a total obstruction 
to my soul's entering into the blessed king- 
dom of eternal rest. 1 his awful distressing 
prospect reduced all within me into resig- 
nation to his blessed will ; and then the 
smiles of his favour arose upon my spirit, 
and strengthened me to move under the in- 
fluence of his love. Sol laid my concern 
before Friends, and way was opened for my 
moving in this w^eighty work ; which the 
Lord graciously owned by his blessed Spirit 
from family to family ; and I may thankfully 
acknowledge that the minds of friends were 
generally open to receive what I had to com- 



SARAH STEPHEN^SONi 55 

munieate, so that I had cause to bless and 
praise the holy name of Him who lives for 
ever. 

* This was the beginning of a work in 
which my good Master has since been plea- 
sed often to employ me; which has been 
very arduous, through deaths often and deep 
baptisms ; I think scarcely any service so 
much so ; but he leadeth down to the bot- 
tom of Jordan, in order to qualify to feel the 
diflferent states of individuals in families, and 
in this abased state to speak as the Spirit 
giveth utterance. And, Ah, for these 
humiliating labours, the reward is sure, 
and preciously sweet ; though not always 
given in our own time, but in the blessed 
Messiah's, which is the best and right time. 

^ In the morning, 28th ^of the second 
month, 1771, as I was musing, a state of de- 
jection covered my mind, so that I was fear- 
ful I should become a prey to the enemy of 
my soul ; and was deeply humbled, and an 
ardent prayer was raised to the Father and 
Fountain of strength and wisdom for preser- 
vation. And He was pleased in love and 



^ 



6 MEMOIRS OF 



great condescension, to convey to my soul the 
sweet overshadowing power of his love, for 
which may all within me bow, and, in fear 
and reverence, bless his holy Name.' 



* The Men's Monthly Meeting (for at this 
time we had no Women's) being to be held 
at Lavington, the 6th of the twelfth month 
1771, a weight rested with me for some days, 
with an apprehension that I must attend it ; 
but a clear sight of its being the requiring of 
Heaven, and the overshadowing of the divine 
presence and love, were witheld. Though 
I sought, with fervency of spirit, for divine 
direction it was still withheld ; I believe, to 
try whether, Uke Saul, I would go forth 
without it ; which I dared not do, so I con- 
cluded to stay at home. But about an hour 
before the time of setting out, it pleased infi- 
nite Goodness, in great condescension, to 
cover my spirit with his love, and with in- 
dubitable certainty of its being his requiring, 
to which all within me was subject ; and 



SARAH STEPHENSON* 37 

gfatitude overspread my soul, humble prai- 
ses ascending from my quivering lips.' 



The reader may now perceive that it is 
not a connected narration that is to be ex- 
pected. Probably the authoress of the 
memorandums, which are offered to his pe- 
rusal, might, in making them, intend them 
rather as helps to her own recollection, of 
past instances of divine support, than as 
materials for a journal. The friends, how- 
ever, who were most intimate with her, and 
who have been confirmed in ,their love for 
her memory by these memorandums, have 
no doubt of their being sweet and encoura- 
ging to others ; and are therefore desirous, 
whatever might be the original design, that 
they may be presented to the inspection of 
their fellow-members in religious profession^ 
The want of exactness in arrangement can- 
not now be supplied : therefore the follow- 
ing remarks are here introduced without the 

D 



38 MEMOIRS OF 

certainty of their being placed in their due 
order of time, 

' My spirit hath been, for a considerable 
length of time, baptized, and much inclosed 
in pain and distress, by day and also by 
night ; and that sweet calm, which I had be- 
fore often felt when I awoke, was withdrawn ; 
a serenity in which my mind felt and under- 
stood that declaration, 'VThe angel of the 
^^ Lord encampeth round about them that 
^' fear him, and delivereth them." Insteiid 
of this, pain w^as now administered ; in this 
trying season, all comfort was withdrawn ; 
the stone was heavy on the well's mouth, aiid 
but little strength was I sensible of, to roUit 
away. Language fails me to express the 
painful feelings of my mind ; but O ! the in- 
visible Power that was pleased to permit me 
to be thus tried, gave me to behold the un- 
safety of drawing my comforts from the visi- 
bles; and the secret manifestation of help 
was mercifully afforded, to apply with a bro- 
ken heart and a contrited spirit, to Him 
who holds the winds in his hands, and cau- 
seth them to blow where it pleaseth him. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. -^^y 

In this state was brought to my remem-. 
brance that text; ''The kingdom of heaven 
^'suffereth violence, and the violent take it 
'' by force.'' My mind was led deeply to 
consider on an awful eternity, and on ihe 
purity that is necessary for the inhabitants of 
the new Jerusalem, These considerations, 
With indisposition of body, greatly humbled 
my mind, with this attendant thonght, Per- 
haps kind Providence is opening the eye of 
my soul more clear into things of this nature, 
that I may be prepared for my final change,' 
' Second month, 1772. My cousin Jef- 
ferys' daughter Katharine was taken ill, and 
remained so several days. She was a child 
uncommonly ripe for her age. [Probably 
not more than four years old.] The svreet- 
ness of her disposition was extraordinary, 
and her patience in sickness, very instructive. 
I waited much upon her, esteeming it a fa- 
vour, because of the sweet covering that 
attended, and particularly so when her inno- 
cent spirit departed. I think I never expe- 
rienced any thing to equal it, on a similar 
occasion, bhe died on my lap : at which 



40 MEMOIRS 0? 

time divine love, in an uncommon manner, 
covered my spirit, and boundless Goodness 
gave me to feel beyond what I can or dare 
express: being then permitted to behold her 
rest, and taste her joy, in unutterable bliss; 
which reverently bowed all w^ithin me in 
awful prostration and thanksgiving before 
Him who is glorious in holiness, and fearful 
in praises, and doeth wonders.'^ 



It may seem from the manner of her naf- 
ration to visit the men-friends at the Month- 
ly Meeting of Lavington in the Twelfth 
Month, 1771, that she then belonged to that 
meeting. She had probably then become a 
resident in the family of Edward Jefferys at 
or near Melksham, which Meeting was a 
part of Lavington Monthly Meeting; but 
she was not recommended to it, by certifi- 
cate, as appears by the records of Chippen- 

* The reader may find soirething similar to tliis, in Mary 
Penington's testimony to her husband, prefixed to I. P's works. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 41 

ham Monthly Meeting, until the Third 
Month, 1772. There were then three 
Monthly Meetings in Wiltshire ; but a dif- 
ferent arrangement has since taken place ; 
and all the meetings in the northern part of 
the county are united in one Monthly Meet- 
ing called Wiltshire Monthly Meeting. The 
Friends in the southern parts of it have been 
connected with those of Hampshire* 



D 2 



42 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAP. III. 

Visit to .Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, &c. — to 
Dorset, Hants, London, &€• — Dorset and So- 
merset — Circular Meeting — London — family 
visit in Wilts — Devonshire and Cornwall — 
indisposition, and exercise — family visits in 
London — in Bristol — extract from a versified 
address. 

IN the Fifth Month, 1772, Sarah Ste- 
phenson obtained the certificate of her 
Monthly Meeting, for the purpose of paying 
a religious visit to Friends in Wales, Che- 
shire, Lancashire, and some adjacent coun- 
ties. In this journey she had a companion, 
but she has omitted to mention her name. 
In the course of it, she wsls again employed 
in the weighty service of visiting families, 
namely those of Lancaster, and her rela- 
tion William Dillworth of that town, a 
friend in the ministry already mentioned, 
bore her company in that engagement. She 



SARAH STEPHENSON* 43 

returned her certificate in the Eleventh 
Month, the same year, and acknowledged 
that she had been favoured with divine re- 
gard in the visit, and that she had peace and 
satisfaction in giving herself up to the ser- 
vice. 

The next year there are not any traces of 
her having been exercised in travelling, un» 
til the Eighth Month ; when she laid before 
her Monthly Meeting her concern to visit 
Friends in Dorset, Hants, London, Essex, 
and adjacent places. Having obtained the 
concurrence of the Meeting, she set forward 
on her journey, and was soon engaged in a 
family visit among the friends at Shaftsbury, 
Dorset. Her engagements of this kind did 
not finish here ; she was alike employed at 
Wicham and Colchester, in Essex, and at 
Norwich ; and she visited meetings in Dor- 
set, part of Hants, Essex, Norfolk, and part 
of Suffolk. She returned by London, and 
through a part of Oxfordshire ; and on giv- 
ing up her certificate in the Third Month, 
1774, expressed her great satisfaction. 

In 1774 also, she accompanied Jane Ship- 



44 MEMOIRS OF 

ley, a friend in the ministry, of Ashmore, 
Dorsetshire, in a visit to Somersetshirej and 
part of Dorset. In the early part of 1775, 
she was unwell ; but on reviewing her late 
engagements in the course of apprehended 
duty, she felt comfort and peace : of which 
she gives the following account. 

* Felt some bodily complaints, which in 
my apprehension seemed alarming ; but the 
covering of inexpressible sweetness was 
spread over my mind, with a sense of its 
being a taste of the reward which the Lord 
will give for faithfulness. Encouragement 
thus sprung in my soul, with hope or belief 
that my late engagements relative to the 
church did meet with divine approbation* 
This, succeeded with tender love to the 
whole race of mankind, did sweetly console 
my drooping spirit. Under this divine in- 
fluence, if consistent with the will of my 
heavenly Father, it would have been com- 
fortable to have quietly departed ; but if it is 
his pleasure to continue my stay here a little 
longer, I humbly hope he will be pleased to 
eondescend to direct my steps ; and then I 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 45 

ask no more but, at last, a sweet admission 
into rest.' 

In the Ninth Month, this year, she had a 
certificate to attend the Circular Meeting, to 
be held at Coleshill, in Warwickshire. The 
meetings thus denominated were annually 
held in one of the seven counties of War- 
wick, Worcester, Gloucester, Hereford, So- 
merset, Devon, and Cornwall. They were 
chiefly large public meetings for worship, 
and largely attended by persons of other re- 
ligious professions. They also drew toge- 
ther no small concourse of Friends. They 
have since been discontinued by direction of 
the Yearly Meeting, and the last of them 
was that at Gloucester in 1786. 

In 1776 she again yielded to a concern to 
visit the meetings of Friends in the metropo-* 
lis, and was at the Yearly Meeting. In 
London she had for a companion Esther 
Marshall, of Leeds^ in Yorkshire ; but here 
they parted, and Sarah, going into fLssex, 
visited the families of the Monthly Meet- 
ings of Coggeshall and Felsted. She then 
returned to London, and afterwards visited 



46 MEMOIRS OF 

the Meetings ill Hampshire ; in which" 
county she was joined by Mary Powell, of 
Niirsted, near Devizes. About this time 
Elizabeth Merry weather, of Rumsey, Hants, 
(daughter of Samuel and Deborah Waring, 
of Alton) was concerned to visit the families 
of Friends at Fordingbridge and Ringwood, 
in that county, and at Poole in Dorset. 
Sarah found her mind engaged to join her 
in this visit ; w^hich she accordingly did, and 
afterwards returned home by way of Shafts- 
bury. The certifioate which she had obtain- 
ed for this visit, had been addressed to 
Friends in London and parts adjacent. On 
her return in the Tenth Month, she gave 
an account of the different parts which she 
had visited ; and though some of them must 
have appeared to be rather beyond what 
might be called counties adjacent, her ac- 
count was satisfactory to the meeting. 

The year 1777 was a busy one with our 
industrious friend. In the First month she 
laid before her Monthly Meeting a concern, 
which although it was one of those which 
she esteemed arduous, did not occasion a 



SARAH STEP^HENSON. 47 

long journey. It was a family visit to 
Friends in Wilts, the county of her resi- 
dence. In the Third Pvlonth she informed 
the meeting (the concurrence of which she 
had) that she had paid the visit pretty gene- 
rally; and that, though the task had been la- 
borious, it had been accompanied with a 
good degree of satisfaction. These are her 
words : and they form a phrase not uncom- 
mon among us. The critic may cavil, and 
call in question their accuracy ; but the 
humble diffident servant of the Lord will 
still thankfully receive whatever degree of 
joy. He may be pleased to afford, as the re- 
ward of service, and say it is enough. 

Our friend had no sooner given in her re- 
port of this visit, than she spread before the 
Meeting her prospect of another, which had- 
for some time engaged her mind. This was 
to visit Friends in Devonshire, and the fa- 
milies of Friends at Plymouth,, adding that 
she apprehended that this service would be 
succeeded by an engagement of duty to 
visit Friends in CornwalL The meeting 
concurred, and she visited in her way most 



48 MEMOIRS OF 

of the meetings in Dorset, Arriving m 
Devonshire, she had Ann Byrd, of Uff- 
colme, for a companion, and they visited 
the Meetings and most of the families in 
that county. She also had the company of 
this friend to the families of two of the three 
Monthly Meetings then in Cornwall; and in 
one of these, that of Catharine Phillips of 
Redruth, already mentioned in this narrative 
by the name of Catharine Payton of Dudley. 
In the other Monthly meeting, she went 
generally alone, as to an outward companion ; 
yet, on returning her certificate, in the 
Tenth Month, she reverently confessed that 
she was not destitute of divine help, which 
was sufficiently afforded to enable her to 
pass through the laborious service. She 
also mentioned her engagements in Dorset- 
shire, together with some in the counties of 
Somerset and Hants. 

On this journey she was favoured with 
the views and feelings related in the follow- 
ing account. 

' 1st of 8th Month, 1777. This morn- 
ing poorly in health, having slept in a damp 



SAKAH STEPHENSON. 49 

bed since coming from home ; and feeling 
myself very unwell, was led to look towards 
an everlasting abode. Under this view my 
spirit was greatly broken and tendered with 
the love of God, so that I felt a great will- 
ingness to leave this world, if he was gra- 
ciously pleased to prepare me for his holy 
rest : and the view of being taken off, 
though far from my dear relations, did not 
seem hard provided I might be received by 
divine mercy. But though, under this aw- 
ful heavenly covering, there appeared some 
of the true gold or right weight, in me ; yet 
I saw there needed more of the consuming 
^lire of God. This caused a fear, lest» when 
I was brought to the balance of the sanctu- 
ary I should be found wanting. But, Oh ! 
my spirit was so inclosed in divine sweet- 
ness, that, with brokenness of heait, I was 
enabled to adore my Maker, and pray for the 
continuance of his mercy and judgment; 
that thereby my soul might become so refin- 
ed, that when it pleased Him to say. Time 
here to thee must be no longer, I may not 
be found wanting; but, through the deep in- 

E 



50 MEMOIRS OP 

working of his holy Spirit, and the abound- 
ing of his mercy, forgiveness, and great 
loving-kindness, through the mediation of 
our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 
may be favoured with admission into his 
holy spiritual kingdom, there to sing the 
song of the redeemed.' 



In the two following years we do not find 
traces of any other kind of engagement, 
than that of visiting families. Early in 
1778, she set out for London, having first 
obtained the consent, and the certificate of 
her Monthly Meeting, and was there em- 
ployed in visiting the families of the Month- 
ly Meetings of Gracechurch Street and Rat- 
cliflP. Esther Marshall, already mentioned, 
was her companion in these visits, and at 
least in the former, Deborah Townsend of 
London, sister to Elizabeth Merry weather, 
noticed in this chapter. She acknowledged 
on her return, that through the daily renew- 
al of divine help, they were enabled to per- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 51 

form that laborious work ; although she 
hinted at the deep baptisms, which fell to 
the lot of such as were engaged to visit the 
seed ; because it lies low, and is much op- 
pressed,^ 

In the First Month, 1779, she informed 
her Monthly Meeting of another concern of 
a similar kind. This was to visit the fa- 
milies of Friends in the large Meeting of the 
city of Bristol.- In this visit she had Han- 
nah Bevington, of Worcester, for a compa- 
nion. Her account at the giving back of 
her certificate, was that they were enabled 
through divine help, to perform the service 
to their own peace ; and she added that, if 
they had obtained any crowns by it, they 
cast them down, with humble adoration, at 
the throne of the Almighty : to whom be- 
longs, said she, the power, thanksgiving, and 
praise, now and for ever. 

The reader who can duly appreciate the 
joy of being able to ascribe all honour and 
praise where alone it is due, will not think 
this account of a family visit, barren as it is of 
incident, a dry narration. Nevertheless, a 



52 MEMOIRS GF 

short corrected extract from a versified ad- 
dress, which our industrious females receiv- 
ed, whilst engaged in their labours at Bristol, 
may vary the tenour of the relation ; and, 
though it may not really enliven it for some 
readers, may not, probably, injure it for 
anv. 

After many lines, descriptive of the mi- 
nistring friends, and of the nature of the ser- 
vice, it proceeds somewhat thus : 



Say then, this flowing doctrine, what supplies ; 
Whaty for such arduous service qualifies I 
Doth human wisdom aid you thus to teach ? 
No : not so high can human wisdom reach, 
*Tis some degree of that celestial love, 
Which drew the Saviour from the realms above^^ 
When he ful/ili'd the great and glorious plan 
Of reconciling fall'n and helpless man. 
That now incites you, and directs your way^ 
While the blest Spirit aids, from day to day ; 
Each *^tate unfolds, as ye attentive wait. 
And counsel opevis fit for every state. 

May He who bade you cultivate the soil, 
With a large increase, bless your faithful toil , 
And when your pious journeyings shall cease. 
Bless your retirement with his heavenly peace. 
For, heav'nly peace the righteous still attends 
Peace here, and peace above that never ends. 



SARAH STEPHENSOIf. 



CHAP. IV, 

Visits Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire — families 
at Sheffield — Ackworth School — ill at L^eds — 
visits families there, and at Lancaster — Thomas 
Gawthorp — Westmoreland, Cumberland and 
Scotland— p-amiiies there — vad at Newcastle, 
Shields and Sunderland — Mabel Wigham — vi- 
sits Durham— •families at Kendal — and a second 
time at Lancaster — Coalbrookedale and North 
Wales — a meeting in a grave-yard, Builth — 
three of her written memorandums. 

THE engagements just related were those 
of the forepart of the respective years. Of 
the manner in which our friend was engag- 
ed in the latter part of each, we have no ac^ 
count ; but we find her early in the spring 
of 1780, setting out, with due credentials, 
according to the good order of the society, 
on a long journey, which took up not only 
the remainder of that year, but much of the 
E 2 



54 MEMOIRS 01 

next. The relation of it, for the most pan 
in her own words, is as follows : 

' I left Melksham the 14th of the Fourth 
month, 1780, accompanied by Jane Shipley^ 
and went by way of Cirencester, Odington, 
Stow, Shipston^ and Warwick, w^here, and 
at some other places, we had meetings, and 
reached Coventry the 24th, Next day we 
had a meeting there, in which Truth arose, 
and different states were spoken to, in a 
good degree of authority. In an opportuni- 
ty after dinner, heavenly goodness broke in, 
and a sweet open time we had together ; 
under the renewings of life, in which w^e 
]]probabIy that company] parted. We went 
that afternoon to Hinkley, had a meeting 
there, and reached Leicester on the 26th, 
My mind was low, and dipped under the 
feeling of the oppression of the pure seed, 
through the prevalence of a worldly spirit.. 
The 27th, in a meeting there, I had very 
close labour, but a little life arose ; and after 
dinner, many friends being present, we had 
a tendering opportunity, which a little re- 
lieved my mournful spirit. The 28th we 



SARAH: STEPHENSON. 5^ 

had a meeting at Loughborough, and after- 
wards rode to Castle Donington, to see our 
dear friend, Ruth Fallows. Then we went 
to Nottingham, and were at the two meetings 
there, on First- day the 30th. In the after- 
noon Truth spread. We also had a.tender- 
ing opportunity at John Leaver's, m the 
evening. The next day w^e went to see the 
widow Coulson, who seemed in a sweet ten- 
der frame, and not far from her last, and safe 
home. Oh, how comfortable it is to see 
greenness in advanced age !. We had also* 
other opportunities in friends' families to 
satisfaction ; and in the afternoon we rode to 
Mansfield, twelve miles, in a very heavy rain. 
The 2nd of the fifth month we had a meeting 
there, rather a healing comfortable season, 
after which we went to Ciiesterfield, and 
had a meeting there on the 3d ^a few not of 
our society attended, and considerable ten- 
derness appeared. The 6th, we went to 
Highfield, about one mile from Sheffield. 

* I had, for a considerable time, had a con- 
cern* to visit families at Sheffield; and the 
^veight of it increasing, I found it best to open 



56 MEMOIRS OF 

my concern to the elders, my companion be- 
ing free to accompany me in this service. 
It was united with by Friends, and we began 
the weighty undertaking on First-day, the 
8th, after the two meetings there. We had 
upwards of eighty sittings, besides the usu- 
al meetings, in less than three weeks. The 
labour was great and the baptisms many, 
on account of the low state of some, and re- 
bellious disposition of others. Yet there is 
a faithful living remnant preserved amongst 
them, with whom we were at seasons refresh- 
ed, and had humbly to rejoice in the Lord^s 
solemn house of prayer. The visit was ac- 
complished under the coveringof divine love, 
and we left Sheffield peaceably. May my soul 
ever be clothed with humble thankfulness to 
the God of my life, who hath mercifully re- 
garded so poor a creature. Unto him be- 
longeth all praise, and unto us abasement 
and contrition. 
* From Sheffield we went to Thorn ; and 
staid a few days to rest at the house o^ my 
companion's brother. Whilst there, there 
was a violent storm of thunder and lightnings 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 57 

and the largest hail-stones I ever saw. It 
was thought some measured three inches 
round. The third of the sixth month we 
went to Pontefract, and on First-day morn- 
ing were at meeting there, in which much 
close searching labour was bestowed on a re- 
volting people. We left them under a be- 
lief of having faithfully discharged our duty^ 
and went to Ackworth. We were at the af- 
ternoon and evening meetings there, owned 
by Him who uttered the language, *^ Suffer 
little children to come unto me.'* There was 
a beautiful flock of children, near two huUr 
dred, in very pretty order. My spirit was 
rauch concerned for their preservation, and 
humble cries arose to the Fountain of living 
mercies, to favour them.with the blessing of 
life for evermore. The fifth in the morning 
we attended the committee at Ackworth 
school, and in the afternoon went to Barns- 
ley, and the 6th to Burton, where many of 
the neighbours came to the meeting, and it 
was an open favoured time. The burial- 
ground there is said to be the first that was. 
in the possession gf friends; and toha^e 



58 MEMOIRS OF 

been given b}'^ a sober man, who had beeu 
moved with pi t}^^ on seeing a corpse inde- 
cently treated. The 7th we went to Wake- 
field ; the meeting there was a low wading 
time ; but I hope the states of the people 
were fully spoken to : in the afternoon we 
went to Gildersome. On the 8th, was a si- 
lent meeting ; but I hope not an unprofita- 
ble one. We had the company of our dear 
friend Robert Walker. In the afternoon we 
went to John Hustler's, near Bradford, and 
on the 9th had a meeting at Bradford, in 
which Truth arose, and we parted under a 
degree of the Father's love* The 10th we 
went to Leeds, and lodged at my cousin Ger- 
vas Storr's, w^here I received many marks of 
kind attention. I w^as seized with a violent 
attack of a complaint in my stomach, which 
held many hours ; and had not kind Provi- 
dence been pleased to give a little ease, it 
seemed unlikely that I could have conti- 
nued long ; but He whose ways are ways of 
wonder, and unsearchable, has a right to use 
such means as will most effectually answer 
the purpose he has in view. My indisposij 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 59 

tion brought me very low, and weak, in 
which state I was made submissive to the 
requiring I felt from him to visit the fami- 
lies at Leeds. This service was entered 
upon, under the humble sense of the Master 
being near ; who giveth to his little depen- 
dent children, a degree of that faith by which 
mountains are removed, and therein hope 
and confidence increased. My dear compa- 
nion andmyself went to the families without 
any other outward company ; and in the va- 
rious sittings had to travel deep, by which 
various states were measura;bly opened ; and 
He, who remains to be the good Samaritan, 
was pleased to convey, through his poor un- 
worthy instruments, the searching wine; 
giving to declare to same that, if they would 
sufficiently bear his cleansing power^ the 
healing oil would be certainly administered. 
' We had to feel for some, who, resting in 
their moral righteousness, were in that 
mournful state of luke-warmness, which is 
hard to reach ; yet I hope some of these, at 
least for the present, were roused. May 
they not again sink into supineness. I 



60 MEMOIRS OF 

should not omit mentioning, that, though 
we had thus to be so deeply baptized for the 
dead, there is a faithful remnant, with whom 
our spirits were refreshed, being favoured to 
drink together of that stream that makes 
glad the city and heritage of God. 

' We left Le^ds the 10th of the Seventh 
month, under a thankful sense of having been 
in the way of our duty, enjoying that sweet 
reward of peace, which encourages poor tra- 
vellers to journey on. We took divers 
meetings in our way to Lancaster; and m 
most or all of them w^e had deep travail of 
spirit, under a sense of luke-warmness, and 
a worldly spirit. But blessed be that Name 
who yet supports his poor depending chil- 
dren, who cry to him^ feeling that they have 
no might of their own, and that without Him 
they can do nothing. In some of these 
meetings his power raised the dead, and gave 
us afrt^sh humbly to bless his holy name. 

' We reached Lancaster on the 20th. On 
the next day was the week-day meeting, in 
which my spirit was dipped as into the very 
bottom of Jordan. Under this baptism, it 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 61 

was clearly opened to me that I must visit 
families in this place, O ! how great was 
the exercise. My dear companion was 
made sensible that a fresh engagement had 
taken hold of my mind ; but I suffered the 
discourager to come in^ and gave Friends 
leave to appoint some meetings forward, 
thinking if the concern respecting Lancaster 
continued, we might return. We staid the 
meetings at Lancaster on First-day, in which 
we had an open time. Divers states were 
opened before me, and I was enabled to de- 
liver what was given me, with strength, and 
I trust, with life. The next day, we went 
to Yelland, and had close labour there ; then 
to Height. In the meeting there, but little 
light was to be felt. How does my spirit 
mourn, for the lapsed state of the church ! 
Thence we went to Ulverstone, and the 
next day had a meeting at Swarthmore, 
which was a season of deep baptism; but 
the power of Truth arose, and divers states 
were visited, the sincere hearted encourag- 
ed, the idle warned, and an affectionate in- 
vitation ^iven to the wandering prodigals. 

F 



62 MEMOIRS OF 

It was a season of favour. The next morn- 
ing we went to Hawksheacl, and had a meet- 
ing. It was a low time, my mind being 
much depressed and under an increasing 
concern to visit the famihes at Lancaster. 

' We went, however, on to Kendal, and 
thence I wrote to my cousin William Dili- 
worth, informing him that we could not pro- 
ceed w^ithout returning to visit the families. 
He acquainted the elders of it, and they ex- 
pressed their unity ; and on First-day he 
mentioned it at the close of the morning 
meeting ; which, as we were told, so affect-^ 
ed the minds of Friends as to bring a great 
solemnity over them. We staid the meet- 
ings at Kendal on First-day, which were low 
baptizing seasons, on second day we went 
to Lancaster, and on third day morning en- 
tered on the arduous service before us. 
Deep were the baptisms, and close the la- 
bour, that were attendant, in passing along ! 
but under all discouragements, we were 
helped to deal plainly, and to warn faithful- 
ly, as required. This, through divine fa- 
vour, was often attended with that power 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 63 

that not only chained down opposing spi- 
rits, but broke some of the visited into tears; 
for which we were humbly thankful to Him 
who has the hearts of all men in his hand. 
There is also a precious remnant in that 
place, with whom our spirits were sweetly 
refreshed, and from whom we received en- 
couragement. Having had about seventy 
sittings we closed the service, and took leave 
of them, at their week-day meeting, the day 
following, under the tendering influence of 
divine love. 

* We next went again to Kendal, calling 
by the way to see our ancient friend, Tho- 
mas Gawthorp, w4io was confined to his 
bed, by an accident. We sat by him to 
satisfaction. The heavenly frame of his spi- 
rit was such, as was to me truly comforta- 
ble ; and a belief was fixed with me, that he 
would soon be removed from works^ to a 
joyful reward. We afterwards heard that 
he remained about two months and then 
sweetly departed • 

' On sixth day, the ^^ of Eighth month, 
we were at the week-day meeting at Kendal, 



64 MEMOIRS OF 

in which strength was given to point out the 
danger of a worldly spirit, even amongst the 
well-minded, if not guarded against. Next 
day we went to Moreland, and had a meet- 
ing there, in which w^e were led into close 
labour, and to give an awakening call to the 
lukewarm. Thence we proceeded to Pen- 
rith, Terril, Mosedale, Coldbeck, and Wig- 
ton, having a meeting at each place, the lat* 
ter a favoured one, in which Truth reigned. 
O, how^ gracious and good is the Most High, 
to own, with his life-giving presence ; irr 
order to gather, and convince that he de- 
lights not in the death of those that die ; 
but that he would have all to be saved ! My 
mind was often mournful on account of the 
state of the church, and the secret language 
of my soul was, *' By whom shall Jacob 
^' arise, for he is small.'* We went on tQ 
Holm, Kirkbride, Moorhouse, Carlisle, 
Sikeside, and Solport, in which places, we 
had meetings. 

< The 4th of the Ninth Month, we set out 
for Scotland ; and the 6th, reached Kelso, 
where we had an appointed meeting on the 



SARAH STEPHENSeN. 65 

7th, a season owned by the Master of our 
assemblies, who graciously blessed th^ 
bread, and handed it forth, to the tendering 
of the spirits of most present before Him 
who can bless the provision of Zion, and 
satisfy her poor with bread, giving them a- 
fresh to trust in his holy name. Thence we 
went to Edinburgh, and were at the meet- 
ings there on First-day, a close searching 
time. Here I received information of the 
death of a dear friend, Mary Matravers, wife 
of John Matravers of: Westbury^ Wilts, 
which much affected my mind. The next 
njorning we set off for the North. Having 
crossed Queen^s Ferry, which is about two 
miles over, we travelled ninety miles, and- 
got safe to Montrose, and thence to Stone* 
haven, where we had a favoured meeting.'; 
We had afterwards an opportunity with two 
youths, to whom it seemed a day of visita- 
tion : and indeed we were all tendered to- 
gether, so that the current of Hfe ran sweetly, 
and warning, and caution were alsa given.^ 
It was a season that I hope will not soon bo 
forgotten. We parted under the baptizing: 

12 



66 MEMOIRS OF 

power of Truth, our own spirits being 
sweetly refreshed. We then went to Aber- 
deen and Old Meldrum. The two meetings 
at the latter place were large and satisfactory; 
many of the towns' people being there* I 
felt a concern to visit the families belonging 
to that meeting with so much weight and 
clearness, that I dared not omit opening the 
matter to Friends; who readily made way, 
so my dear companion and myself, accompa- 
nied bv James Anderson of Kelso, entered 
on that service. The number of families 
was about twenty, part of them scattered 
about the country. I think our good Mas- 
ter was pleased to give us an evidence that 
the engagement was right, and was near, in 
his condescending love, to open the states of 
the different families. I was led to deal with 
th m in much plainness, under the covering 
of that gathering love, which I felt mercifully 
extended to them. O, may the labour of 
the Lord's servants, many of whom have of 
late been sent amongst them, be as bread 
cast upon the waters, and profitably found 
after many days. I believe the good seed is 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 67 

sown in many parts thereaway. Whether 
it may visibly flourish, that I leave ; but I 
believe the veil of prejudice is rent in many 
minds. We finished the family visit, and 
returned to Aberdeen with the evidence of 
peace : Almighty goodness having been 
mercifully near, in a manner that reduced all 
wkhin me into nothingness before him, and 
led into humble adoration and silent thanks- 
giving. O, may my soul ever live under a 
lively sense of his greatness, goodness, and 
mercy, and of my own weakness. 

* After having an appointed meeting at 
Aberdeen, a ^ica^^on owned by the Master of 
our assemblies, we went to Ury, the place 
where Robert Barclay, the apologist, form- 
erly lived. His grandson Robert Barclayj 
and his wife (not members of our religious 
society) treated us with much respect. Then 
we proceeded to Montrose. The road was 
hilly, and the wind high and cold, which 
made travelling fatiguing, but I could not 
thuik it hard, for as I rode along my cup did 
sweetly overflow, sothat I was thankful I wai^ 
there. May my soul never forget such sea- 



68 MEMOIRS or 

sons of favour; but ever dwell where the 
Most High condescends to instruct his ser- 
vants ; namely in the humble paths of obe- 
dience: that so a happy admittance into rest, 
through the mercy of our dear Redeemer, 
may be granted, w^hen time to me here shall 
be no more. 

' On the First-day, we had two public 
meetings at Montrose, to which many of the 
town's people came, and behaved well. In 
the morning, my spirit was deeply centered,, 
and awfully abstracted,, w^hen, after a time 
of solemn silence, I felt Truth lead forth to 
public service : in which, I think, if ever 
divine goodness caused the stream of the mi- 
nistry to flow through me, it did so that day^ 
The afternoon-meenng was also a season fa- 
voured by Him, who continues to own, of 
every nation, tongue and people, those that 
fear him, and w^ork righteousness. It was 
a day that called for humble thankfulness to 
the L rd, who yet regards the dust of Zion, 
and satisfies her poor with bread* 

' The next morning we set out for Edin- 
burgh. In our way thither we crossed. 



SARAH STEPHEN.SOK. 69^ 

three ferries, one of them about seven miles 
©ver. We had an old leaky boat, contrary- 
winds, and a rough sea ; so that our passage 
was attended with some danger ; but 
through the preserving power of Him who 
formerly uttered the language of '' Peace,. 
B€ still,'' we were favoured to get safe on 
shore after a passage of about three hours 
and a half. My dear companion, and Joha 
Rutty (a lad who rode before S. Stephen- 
son) were very sick, so that they were not 
so sensible of the danger, as I was. Some 
of the waves were so great that it seemed as if 
we should be swallowed up in them. In 
this season of danger, an inquiry took place 
respecting the state of my mind, and after a 
little time I felt a sweet covering, which 
centered my spirit in resignation to the di- 
vine will : under which I could do no less 
than bless, and adore his holy name. 

' We arrived at Edinburgh on an after- 
noon, the next day were at the week-day 
meeting, and the following day visited the 
families. We had close, painful labour, as 
there was in some a sorrowful departure 



70 MEMOIRS 0:b' 

from ancient purity. Next day we reached 
Keiso, forty-one miles ; staid the meetings 
on First-day : on second day set off for 
Newcastle, and got there on third day after- 
noon, about sixty -four miles. We were 
about a month and two days in Scotland, 
having travelled about five hundred miles, 
visited the six meetings, and about twenty- 
six families. 

* At Newcastle, a concern to visit the fa- 
milies of that monthly meeting came so hea- 
vy, that w^e laid it before Friends at their 
monthly meeting, which happened that time 
at Shields : and we there entered on the 
service. Our gracious Father vras pleased 
to furnish with strength from day to day, so 
that we got through there in less than a 
week, and left them under the feeling of 
peace, the evidence of having been in the 
way of duty. We next visited Newcastle, 
where are some valuable friends, with whom 
our spirits were many times much refreshed, 
and we had some favoured meetings there. 
The good hand is at work among the youth, 
and I tiiink, fitting some for service. May 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 71 

the good Shepherd preserve them, and not 
suffer the destroyer to mar the work ; but 
may it go forward to his praise, and to the 
edification of the church ; that so, judges 
may be restored as at the first, and counsel- 
lors as at the beginning. There are about 
forty families. Gur dear friend Mabel 
Wigham, who then lived at Newcastle, told 
us, that when she heard of our coming, her 
prayer, with tears, was that w^e might be en- 
gaged to visit famihes in their monthly meet- 
ing. She is a noble warrior in the Lamb's 
war, and seems to be more constantly dwell- 
ing with her Master than most I ever saw. 
From Newcastle, we went to Sunderland, 
where we were deeply baptised for the dead, 
and, thereby I trust, fitted to labour and 
deal plainly ; but wc found a remnant, who 
retain their integrity. May they be pre- 
served. There were upwards of twenty 
families. From Sunderland, w^e visited the 
meetings in the county of Durham. We 
were at one at ***^^ in which the luke- 
warm were warned, and those, in whosie 
minds tender desires were raised, were en- 



72 - MEMOIRS OP 

couraged to press after the further know- 
ledge of God : whom to know, and Jesus 
Christ whom he hath sent, is life eternal. 
Then we went to ^^*^ where we had a 
close laborious meeting : but there arc a few 
who were contending for the faith. May 
they be preserved steady. We had also a 
meeting at *^^*^, where some of the pro- 
fessors of Truth seemed hurl, by giving way 
to a worldly spirit. O, what can rouse 
some from their lethargic state. May our 
gracious leader be pleased to utter an effec- 
tual call ; even that pow^r by which Lazarus 
was raised from the dead ; that they may not 
sleep the sleep of death. How can those 
who, through divine mercy, have been fa- 
voured to taste of the Word of God, and of 
the powers of the world to come, do less 
than mourn and pray for such, when admit- 
ted to the throne of grace. 

* At this time the roads were bad, some 
bogs in the way, and much snow i which 
made travelling difficult, and trying to tender 
constitutions ; but we were enabled to bear 
it beyond what wc could expect, and got 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 73 

safe to Kendal. Here I felt a necessity to 
open to Friends a concern, that had long 
dwelt with me, and many times greatly bow- 
ed my mind under that power, which bap- 
tised it into obedience to the requiring, of 
visiting the families of that large meeting. 
In low, doubting seasons, discouragements 
'prevailed ; but as I humbly kept to the gift, 
and trusted in the giver, strength arose, and 
measurably dispersed the difficulties. So, 
m simple obedience we proceeded in that 
weighty service. Our gracious Father, be- 
ing near, favoured with renewed help from 
day today, and, under many deep baptisms, 
supported our spirits, enabling us to minis- 
ter, what was opened in the deeps. We 
had more than eighty opportunities, some of 
ivhich, I trust, neither the visitors nor the 
visited will soon forget. May the Lord be 
praised, who yet condescends to make use 
of clay. There is a number of valuable 
friends^ and some of the youth are promis- 
ing. 

* We went on to Lancaster and Preston, 
and at the last meeting had the company of 

G 



74 MEMOIRS OF 

our friends William Rathbone of Liverpool, 
and William Dillworth ; and there I felt an 
engagement to visit the families, under the 
influence of that love, which enableth to 
search the camp, and to deal plainly. Hence, 
visiting some other meetings in our vi^ay, we 
went to Liverpool. My mind was dipped 
very low, and, under deep baptisms, we vi- 
sited the families there, in which service di- 
vine help was near, and so we left that place 
peacefully ; yet with a mournful feeling of 
the state of things being more painful thaa 
some years before. 

' We proceeded to Warrington, Frandley, 
Morley, Macclesfield and Leek. At Morley 
we had a large exercising meeting ; but I 
was favoured with strength to discharge my 
duty honestly. At Leek I parted with my 
companion Jane Shipley ; and was joined by 
Martha Routh, of Manchester, in a visit to 
the families of Crawshavvbooth, &c. Hence 
Martha Routh went home, to prepare for a 
journey with me through Wales. William 
Rathbone went with me to Coalbrookdale, 
and as 1 was under a concern to visit the fa- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 75 

milies of that Monthly Meeting, he felt his 
mind drawn to join in it. At the close of 
that service Martha Routh came, and wc 
went through W les ; and felt our minds 
drawn to visit the families of Friends in the 
Northern part of the principality. I reached 
honie, by way of Bristol, ia the Fifth month, 
1781.' 

It does not appear that our friend kept 
any exact account of her journey through 
Wales ; yet the following is probably a rela- 
tion of all the occurrences in it, which she 
thought proper to note. 

* From the New Dale v/e went to Welsh 
Pool, but I was very poorly in health, hav- 
ing laboured hard, and taken but little rest. 
I had also the most violent cough I ever re- 
member to have had, and my mind was 
dipped very low ; but it was kept in much 
patience, though the prospect of going 
among the Welch mountains, in so poor a 
state of health, was discouraging. Martha 
Routh was also poorly.' 

It appears to have been the time of some 
Quarterly Meeting, held that year at Welsh 



76 MEMOIRS aF 

Pool, for she says that on the 28th of the 
Third month, the Select Meeting began at 
Nine, m which some close advice was drop- 
ped. At Eleven was the Meeting for wor- 
ship, in which Truth arose, the gospel 
spring being comfortably opened, by which 
the seed was visited, humble minds encou- 
raged, and the lukewarm warned, in the aw- 
ful power of Truth. At One was the meet- 
ing for business, and at Four, a public 
meeting in the Town-hall. 

* The 24th we rode twenty-four miles, and 
visited one family ; the 30th to Tyddiny.ga- 
reg, eleven miles, and visited three families, 
then wxnt to Dolgelly, one mile, and had a 
public meeting in the evening in the Town- 
hall. In this meeting Truth arose, but my 
mind was not clear of the people, but felt 
that w^e must have anotter meeting : which 
was a close exercise, as my companions ex- 
pressed no concern of that sort. Before I 
gave up to mention it, I was quite ill ; when 
on my telling the cause, they readily consent- 
ed to stay^ and another meeting was appoint- 
ed^ to begin at Nine on First day morning. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. /r 

We had a very solid, favoured meeting, 
after which my mind was much relieved. 
This town is nearly surrounded by moun- 
tains, one of which, I was told is four miles 
to the top.' 

^ This must be spoken of the ascending 
road from Dolgelly. The mountain in 
question is probably Cader Idris, the per^ 
pendicular height of which is about two 
thousand eight hundred feet from the level 
of the sea. The last named places are in 
Merionethshire.' 

* Those who have not been in a mountain- 
ous country, I think, ^* continues Sarah,'' 
can scarcely conceive the awful appearance 
which these prodigious hills make. To 
think of our fellow creatures being scattered 
among them led me to contemplate on the 
greatness and goodness of God who careth 
for the workmanship of his holy hand : not 
only giving them food, but contentment, 
and visiting with his life-giving presence 
the greatest of all blessings. 

^ After dinner we rode to Lewin Dee (qu. 
Llwyn du, on the coast) where a meeting 
G 2 



78 MEMOIRS OF 

was appointed to begin at Five o'clock. The 
people collected soon after we got there, and 
life seemed to spread on our silting down ; 
so that I hope it was to many a time of ad- 
vantage. The third of the Fourth month 
we went to Machynlleth, where we were de- 
sirous of having a meeting, though no 
friends lived there, and accordingly one was 
appointed for the next morning at Nine 
o'clock, to which many people came. It 
was a time in which, I think, the Gospel 
power was felt, and w^e left the place very 
peaceful. We rode that afternoon to Esgair 
goch, and visited the few families belonging 
to that meeting, and had also a public meet- 
ing with them to satisfaction. It was here 
that that w^orthy servant and minister of 
Jesus Christ, John Goodwin lived ; but now 
the state of things in that principality is very 
low. We did nearly sympathize with the 
few concerned ones, for they laboured under 
many disadvantages. 

* At Esgdir goch a cloud of distress cov* 
ered my spirit, but the cause, why 1 thus 
partook of the wormwood and the gall, was 



SARAH STEFHENSONo 7P 

hidden from me. In this deep baptism, I 
felt it was a taste of what our Lord drank 
so very deeply of, and I found him near in 
this suffering state ; not to take the cup from 
me, but to make my spirit the more willing 
to drink it. O, my soul, mayest thou love 
it; for herein standeth thy fellowship with 
God, pure obedience in all things. 

' We next rode eight miles to Llanidloes, 
where my dear companion was so ill that her 
recovery seemed very doubtful. She was 
not at all anxious respecting it ; but to me 
the prospect of losing my beloved compani- 
on, in that lonely spot, seemed a closer triaF 
than that of laying down my own life. But 
one morning, as I sat greatly exercised be- 
fore Him who raised Lazarus from the grave, 
I was led into an awful heavenly sweetness^ 
in which I saw, in that light that is un- 
changeable, that she would recover : which 
greatly consolated my distressed spirit.' 

The three last named places are in Mont- 
gomeryshire. From Llanidloes to Builth, 
in Brecknockshire, the distance is not more^ 
than an easy day's journey ; and the latter 



80 MEMOIRS OF 

town about seventy miles from Bristol, a 
journey of a few days might bring her into 
the neighbourhood of her own habitation. 
William Rathbone had kept them company 
as far as Llaindloes ; and it does not appear 
that they visited any meeting in South 
Wales* 

That at Builth was a public appointed 
cne : of which Sarah gives nearly the follow- 
ing account : 

^The6thofthe Fifth Month we had a 
meeting at Builth, not in a meeting-house, 
but in a very convenient grave-yard. No- 
tice having been given in the neighbourhood 
some days before, many well-behaved peo- 
ple came. The ground was smooth, and of 
a gradual descent. At the upper erid was a 
stone seat all the way along, and about the 
middle of it hung ivy like a canopy, under 
which we sat. On both sides were stone 
seats, which were filled by some of the peo- 
pie ; while others sat on the grass. The 
weather was very favourable, and the behold- 
ing of the gravity of the people, and the 
feeling of the solemnity that covered the as- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 81 

sembly, bowed our spirits, and led humbly 
to implore Him that had compassion on the 
multitude formerly, and would not send 
them empty away, that he would be pleased 
to break the bread o£ life amongst us, and 
bless it. 

* A season of favour it was; for the Lord, 
who hears the cry of his suppliant children, 
w^as graciously pleased to hear, and answer 
our request ; for which our spirits were aw- 
fully bowed, and did bless his holy name, 
who is worthy for ever. When the meet- 
ing was over, a solid elderly man came to 
us and said — This has been a glorious day. 
Indeed tlie minds of many of them were af- 
fected. We recommended tKem carefully 
and quietly to attend to what they had felt. 
May it please the Lord, in the aboundings 
of his love and mercy, so to leaven them in- 
to his nature that they may be sanctified 
throughout, in body, soul, and spirit.' 

She delivered up her certificate in the 
Sixth Month, 1781, when, as she had done 
on a former occasion, she acknowledged the 
support which she had experienced, and des- 



82 MEMOIRS OF 

cribed the services in which she had been en- 
gaged. She particularly remarked, that she 
firmly believed that the seed of God was 
sown in Scotland ; and said that her return^ 
ing tiirough Wales, and visiting Friends in 
their cottages among the mountains, were as 
a cordial in her remtmbrance. 

It w-as probably soon after her return from 
this long journey, that she wrote the follow- 
ing memorandum : 

* 1781. — As my soul was led into awful 
stillness and gathered into abasement, I was 
favoured to feel that in the quiet attentive 
state, the Lord is pleased to prepare the soul 
to hear the language which was proclaimed 
by the angel, '' Worship God ;'' — awfully 
leading under the covering of the Holy Spi- 
rit, to adore and worship Him, whose glory 
the heaven of heavens cannot contain.' 

The two following pieces wmU close all 
that remains to be added, respecting the ex- 
ercises of this devoted servant, in the year 
1781. 

^Eleventh Month, 1781. My mind was 
stripped, and dipped exceedingly low for 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 83 

many days : ^o that all divine comfort seem- 
ed to have left me. Under this proving dis- 
pensation I was tempted lo believe that I 
%'as cast off; and as this belief prevailed, the 
clouds of darkness and distress increased. 
I then thought I should be thankful to be re- 
moved, if I might but die like the beasts of 
the field. But whilst under this distress^ 
sitting still one evening, the Lord was pleas- 
ed to cause a perfect calm to cover my mind, 
and brought before me his wonderful pre- 
servations aixl deliverances, one after an- 
other, from my childhood to that present 
time, as clearly as if written in large charac- 
ters : at the beholding of which my soul 
was humbled, and faith in the mercy, good- 
ness, and forgiveness of God, began to 
spring up in my soul ; and so, mercifully 
caused the clouds of despair to disperse. I 
believe my being thus led to feel a state 
wholly stripped of hope in the mercy of God, 
was in order to lead me into tender sympa- 
thy with poor souls thus tried.' 

'Twelfth Month, 1781. O, that pure 
stream whieh is clear as crystal, proceeding 



84 MEMOIRS OF 

from the throne of God, which impregnates 
the soul with its precious virtue, by which 
it becomes heavenly, and, in time, like /the 
king's daughter, ^^all glorious within!'*' 
Thus the soul, being espoused to Christ, 
how glorious the union ! Happy in time, and 
unspeakably glorious in eternity, where the 
heavenly host sing, glory and honour, rich- 
es and power, to the Lord God and the 
Lamb, for evermore, world without end ? 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 85 



CHAP. V. 

Visits families at Worcester, and in her own 
Monthly* Meeting — visits Ireland with Hannah 
Bevington — decease of Isaac Gray — meets with 
Thomas Cash, John Pemberton, and Thomas 
Ross — various £amily visits, particularly at 
CorTc. 

THE occurrences of the year 1782 and 
1783, of which any account is preserved, 
are few. Early in the former year, our 
friend visited the families of Friends in Wor- 
cester, and was afterwards engaged in a like 
service to those of her own JMonthly Meet- 
ing. In the latter she had Mary Powel for 
a companion : who was also with her in 
1783, on the same service in some other 
parts of Wiltshire, particularly at Salisbury. 
The same year, Sarah paid a similar visit to 
the Friends of some meetings in Somerset- 
shire and Gloucestershire. In these visits, 

H 



86 MEMOIRS Of 

she had the company of her sister, Hannah 
Stephenson. 

Hitherto, the travels of Sarah Stephenson, 
though extensive, had been confined to 
Great Britain ; unless we except her resi- 
dence, while young in the Isle of Man, which 
was not on an errand similar to those which 
occupied her riper years. But in the spring 
of 1784, she crossed the sea, and entered on 
a visit to Friends in Ireland : of which visit 
she has left an account, which is given to 
the reader in the following pages, nearly in 
her own words. Some of it appears to 
have been written almost at the time, when 
the circumstances took place which it re- 
lates ; and we may be almost present wit- 
nesses of the expression of her feelings. 

' On the 9th of the Second Month, 1784, 
I laid before Friends, at our Montiily Meet- 
ing held at Meiksham, a concern which I 
felt for going to Ireland ; which being united 
wdth, a certificate was prepared, and signed 
at the following Monthly Meeting, held at 
Devizes, and also at the Quarterly Meeting 
the 22d of the Third Month. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 87 

< I left Melksham the 14th of the Fourth 
Month, and went by way of Hampton, 
Tevvksbury, Worcester, Shrewsbury, hav- 
ing divers favoured tendering opportunities 
at divers of these places, and reached Holy- 
head the 23d. I felt many discouragingsr 
and buffetings at times ; but my gracious 
Preserver rebuked the destroyer, or I fear I 
should have been overset. The 24th, the 
wind being contrary, no packets have sail- 
ed to-day. I have remembered the great 
attainment of the apostle, respecting his be- 
ing in all states content. May my mind be 
centered in the Divine Will, and in that 
quietly rest. 

* My companion Hannah Bevington, feel- 
ing a desire to have an opportunity with ^he 
inhabitants, and knowing of no convenient 
place in the town, we walked to the Steeple- 
house yard ; and when the people came out, 
we stood by the Market-cross, a spot that 
commanded them in general as they passed,. 
and I think the power of truth was sensibly 
fell to be extended towards them. As soon 
as we felt ourselves at liberty, we withdrew, 



88 MEMOIRS OF 

and returned to our inn. The wind soon 
became favourable, and we sailed about 
three in the afternoon, and had a fine pas- 
sage, but I was very sick, yet favoured with 
quiet resignation. The tide did not serve 
for the packet to go over the bar ; so we 
got into a wherry to go up the river, about 
five miles. It rained very hard, and I was 
very wet, and took a severe cold, which 
confined me several days. We arrived at 
Dublin the 26th, after a passage of about 
twenty-three hours. I was confined by in- 
disposition until the 2d of the Fifth Month, 
at the house of my kind friend Joseph Wil- 
liams, and then went to meeting at Syca- 
more-Alley, and felt strength to deliver 
what seemed my duty. I think it was a fa- 
voured meeting. It was the time of the 
half year's meeting. It began on the 3d* 
I attended the different sittings, which con- 
cluded the 6th. On the 7th, we set off" for 
the North, and arrived on the 8th at Rath- 
friland, fifty-seven Irish miles. On the 9th 
was at meeting in the morning, in which the 
states of some were opened and spoken to ; 



SARAH STEPHENSOli. 89 

and another meeting in the afternoon, a sea- 
son in which Truth spread, for which my 
soul doth bless His holy name who is wor- 
thy for ever. The 11th we had a wading 
meeting, at Moyallen ; but were enabled to 
lieave with the people what seemed our duty. 
On the 12th I was so unwell, that my com- 
panion went without me to a meeting ap- 
pointed at Lurgan. I believe my indispo- 
sition was permitted in best wisdom, for I 
V\^as not clear of Moyallen ; and the 13th 
being the week-day meeting there, we attend- 
ed it. It was large, and a favoured time, in 
which I was set at liberty and felt very 
peaceful. We had also other opportunities • 
more select, and also one at our lodgings, in 
which condescending ancient goodness co- 
vered our spiritSf and we were favoured^ 
with the droppings of celestial rain. The 
16th we proceeded to Lurgan, and had a 
meeting there, and so on to Ballyhagen, 
Lisburne, and other places in that quarter. 
On the 20ih, at a meeting at Lisburne^ 
where my mind was led into an earnest tra- 
vail; and it was mercifully regarded by otlr 
, H2 



90 MEMOIRS OF 

gracious Master, who moved my spirit in 
his love, to stand up with the language of 
Christ to his immediate followers, *' Chil- 
dren have ye any meat ?'^ Truth spread, 
and led to deliver close things, but under 
the tenders of softening love, which seemed 
to melt many minds, and much contrited 
my spirit before Him who condescends to 
make use of mean and contemptible instru- 
ments. We went to Hillsborough, Antrim, 
and Ballymena, and had a meeting in each 
place, besides other opportunities, in which 
best help was near, enabling us to discharge 
our duty. As we were on the way to Balli- 
nacree, we were met by a friend, who came 
to inform us of the death of our dear friend 
Isaac Gray, from England, whom we had 
met wuth at Lisburne the 18th. The sud- 
den removal of this, our dear friend, greatly 
affected my companion and myself. He 
was to be buried the next day at Charle- 
mount. The morning of the day on which 
he died, he complained of feeling unwell, 
-with pain in his breast or stomach, for which 
something being given him, he desired his 



3ARAfi STEPHENSON* 91 

Gompanion and friends to go to meeting. 
The friend who staid to wait on him, observ- 
ing him lie still, supposed he was asleep, 
so his companion, for fear of waking him, 
did not go immediately into the room after 
meeting, but took a little walk into the fields. 
On his return, he was met by a friend who 
told him that dear Isaac was dead, and, it 
was supposed, had been so for some time. 

* On the 27th, we rode to Colraine, and 
had a meeting th^re ; and on the 28th to To- 
berhead, where was a large meeting, mostly 
of other societies. It was an open time, and 
I hope satisfactory. We were at our valua- 
ble friend Jarvis Johnson's, where Isaac 
Gray had died the second day before. The 
being there so soon after his death did afresh 
much affect our minds. May we learn, un- 
der proving dispensations to say. Not our 
wills, but thine, O Lord, be done. We af- 
terwards went to Dungannon, and from 
thence to B tllyhagen. Thomas Cash of 
Morley, in Cheshire, who had been Isaac 
Gray's companion, was with us there at- 
meeting, a season owned by the Master. 



92 M'EMTOIRS OF 

' The first of the Sixth Month, my mind- 
was very low. May I profit by every dispen- 
sation permitted to attend ; for indeed vari- 
ed and deep are the provings of the poor 
servants in this day of deep degeneracy* 
After meetuigs in some other places, we at- 
tended the Province Meeting, held at Bal- 
ly hagen. My mind at this time was much 
impressed with a sense of its being required 
of us to visit the families of Friends belong- 
ing to Grange Meeting ; but I was desirous 
to weigh it still further. So we went to 
some other meetings, but I could not be Ccsy 
to proceed far, any other way ; therefore re- 
turned to Grange. We attended the Week- 
day meeting the 9th, at the close of which, 
our concern was mentioned, and way was 
made for our accomplishing the visit. We 
began the arduous service the lOth, and I 
was favoured with an evidence of being in 
the way of my duty. O, holy Father, keep 
my soul stayed on thee, and permit nothing 
to draw my attention from thee, but be pleas- 
ed to enable me to obey every manifestation 
%f duty. And O, my soul^ mayst thou ht 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 93 

instructed, and, whilst endeavouring to dress 
the vineyards of others, not to leave thy own 
undressed. The 13th, sweetly refreshed in 
solemn silence. The I4th, to-day have had 
several seasons of close labour and deep ex- 
ercise ; under which my spirit mourns for 
the whole, unsafe state of some, and the in- 
sensibility of others, desiring all self-righte- 
ousness may be stripped off, and their minds 
brought into that state of self-abasement, 
with which the Most High is well pleased : 
that so sweet life in Him may be experienc-- 
ed. The 20th, First-day,, a very solemn 
meeting held in silence. My mind was 
opened to view the beauty, necessity, and ex- 
cellency of knowing every thought brought 
into the obedience of Christ* 

^ At Dungannon, also, we visited families, 
and left it with humble thankfulness, as be- 
lieving we had been enabled to get safe 
through that arduous service, under which 
we had many close baptisms ; but we were 
favoured to feel peace as the reward of obe- 
dience in discharging that duty which we be- 
lieved our gracious leader required of us« 



M MEMOIRS OF 

We then went to Oldcastle, Moat, and 
Ballymurry. 

' The 4th of the Seventh Month, and the 
first day of the week, at meeting this morn, 
ing, my spirit centered in awful prostration, 
and travail for the people, and I felt the gen- 
tie descendings of best love, accompanied 
with a draft to stand upon my feet : and as 
truth opened my way, I spoke, and matter 
was given, under the awful guidance of that 
Spirit which not only leads safely forth, but 
also back to the tent, with the reward of 
peace. O my God, be pleased to continue 
the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, and keep 
me as in the hollow of thy hand, that I may 
be preserved in the way of thy requirings. 
The 6th, I was at a meeting at Moat, where 
we had the company of our dear friends, 
John Pemberton, from Philadelphia, and 
Thomas Cash. It w^as a season owned by 
our gracious leader. The Sth^ at a meeting 
at Rathangan. Part of the time there was a 
painful sensation occasioned by the draft 
of some after words. It tended to close 
our way, but after a while I felt the moving 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 9'5 

of Truth to public labour, and in simplicity 
stood up. After dropping a few words, the 
power arose beyond what I have often 
known, through me, a poor creature. The 
9th, was a meeting ai Timahoe, and we vi- 
sited some families, and on the 11th, attend- 
ed a meeting at Edenderry, a season of deep 
travail ; but life arose, and for a time dis- 
pelled the clouds, and many were much 
broken. Close things were dropped under 
the covering of gospel love, and I hope it was 
a good meeting. From thence we went to 
Ballitore. As I rode along, my mmd was 
greatly stripped, and very poor ; and, feeling 
the low^ state of things, was much dejected 
by it. But O, my gracious Father, be 
pleased not to leave me, nor permit me to 
grow weary of suffering" ; but enable me to 
follow thee in the way of regeneration. We 
lodged at Richard Shackleton's, and my 
mind became impressed with its being our 
dutj to visit the families : which we were 
enabled to enter upon under an awful sweet 
covering of our heavenly Father's love, and 
in an humbling sense of our own weakness. 



96 IViEMOIRS OF 

We had some painful laborious sittings ; 
but there is a remnant who are sighing and 
mourning for the state of backsliders, and 
are also contending for the faith. With 
these our spirits were refreshed. We visit- 
ed the meeting at Castledermot, and attend- 
ed a burial at Ballitore ; also were at another 
meeting there. I had to caution against be -*'' 
ing anxious after words, believing that, had 
it not been the case at that time, we should 
have been much more favoured with the 
company of Christ. From Bailitore, we 
went to two or three other meetings, in one 
of which I had very painful feelings, the 
pure seed being greatly oppressed. O, how 
did my spirit mourn, adopting the language 
of that deeply tried prophet, when he said, 
^' O, that my head were waters, and mine 
'^ eyes a fountain of tears, that I m.ight 
'^ weep day and night for the slain of the 
^^ daughter of my people.'' We were ena- 
bled to deliver what appeared our duty ; and 
in the afternoon, a little consolation wa^ 
given to the few mourners in Zion. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 97 

' In the next meeting we attended, my 
spirit was led into a deep travail, and, feel- 
ing it my place to stand up, I was helped to 
speak to divers states under the flowing of 
best love ; my companion also had a favour- 
ed time, and my spirit was engaged to sup- 
plicate the Almighty in a vocal manner ; 
which service is to me very weighty ; but I 
hope we may humbly acknowledge that our 
gracious leader was with us to the contriting 
of our minds, 

' I was at a meeting at *^^*^, I felt the 
motion of Truth to stand up, though in 
weakness ; but Truth arose, and matter 
opened far beyond my expectation ; so that 
many minds were much tendered, and my 
spirit humbled before Him who condescends 
tomakc use of mean and contemptible instru- 
ments. In the evening was at a meeting a* 
^^**^. The forepart was low, but life 
arose, and, in some degree of best authority, 
the backsliders were warned, in a manner 
that, I believe, reached the witness. May 
they not sink into a state of sorrowful self« 
gratification, and have to call to the hills and 

I 



98 MEMOIRS O^ 

mountains for shelter, when the dread hand- 
writing may be seen in the wall. The few 
mourners and sorrowful spirits were sympa- 
thized with and encouraged, the slothful 
were called to arouse from their states of 
false ease, and I hope it was a favoured 
meeting. The 23d my way was closed up 
at Mountmelick meeting, by feeling a strong 
draft in the people for words, and at the close 
I felt it my place to tell them that I believed 
they had prevented the handing forth of spi- 
ritual bread, by not attending to the language 
that early saluted my mind in that meeting; 
which was, study to be quiet, and mind thy 
own business: to which I had endeavoured 
to attend. 

* The 29th, we went to Moat, and the 30th^ 
entered on that weighty service of visiting 
families there. Some seasons were much 
owned by our gracious leader, tending to en- 
courage us, and to confirm the belief of being 
in the way of our dear Master's requirings. 
From Moat we went to some adjacent meet- 
ings and back again, and visited some fami- 
lies at Athlone and Bailimurry. We sat 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 99 

with several persons who had been disunited 
for misconduct. After one opportunity, one 
of the family informed us how his mind had 
been visited in a very extraordinary manner, 
and he was thoughtful whether it might not 
be best to tell the people, thinking it might 
be of service ; but it seemed clear to me that 
this was an artifice of the enemy^ in order to 
draw him from his own work, and proper 
business ; and I strongly advised him to 
keep in the stillness, and feel deep for the 
pure life, that therein he might grow. He 
received the advice in love, in which we 
parted. The Province meeting began on 
the 14th, held at Moat* in which my mind 
w^as much exercised, and it was a favoured 
time ; but 1 was weightily impressed with a 
requiring to return to Oldcastle, and visit 
the few families there, of which I had inform- 
ed my dear companion some days before. 
Some friends were going that way, with 
whom we conckided to go, but my mind was 
dipped very low under discouragement. A 
valuable friend who was there, understanding 
tht concern I was under, came and saluted 



100 MEMOIRS or 

me with these words : * I am glad that thou 
* art willing to do whatever thy Master bid- 
deth thee,' He was a man of sound judg- 
meat and deep in spirit, and there was such 
weight and sweetness accompanying the 
words, that they entered my soul, and were 
as a cordial. We set out the 1 5th and were 
that evening at an inn, with several friends 
in company. While supper was preparing, 
our spirits became deeply centered in sweet 
baptizing silence, under such a covering of 
the Father's uniting love, as very much con- 
trited our spirits, and made us near to each 
other m the covenant of love and life. The 
next morning vfe went to Qldcastle, and had 
cause to believe that our return w^as in the 
ordering of divine w^isdom : whose right it 
is to dispose of his servants, as it pleaseth 
him. We afterwards returned to Moat, and 
at a w^eek-day meeting, I took a solemn 
leave of Friends there, reviving in their re- 
membrance that they had been invited^ some 
of them in the most persuasive language, to 
quit the paths of error, and to obey Christ ; 
but observing that, if such w^ould not be pre- 



SARAH ST^PttENSON. 101 

vailed on, tlieir blood would be upon their 
own heads. It was a tendering season to 
some minds present, 

* We then proceeded to some other meet- 
ings. We sat a considerable time in silence, 
the 20th, at Kilconnermore, and in great 
poverty. Yet it seemed my place to stand 
up, though in so much weakness, that I 
thought I had hardly strength sufficient to 
do so ; but I obeyed the secret motion of 
Truth ; and when on my feet had to speak 
on the advantage of knowing Jerusalem to be 
a quiet habitation, a place of succour in the 
day of storm, when we should be searched, 
as with candles : and though things opened 
pretty close, yet it was under the power of 
Truth and love, so that, if I felt aright, 
Truth arose into a good degree of dominion, 
and great tenderness there was in the meet- 
ing. O, my soul, thou hadst indeed much 
cause to believe in the sufficiency of that 
power, that is the resurrection and the life. 
We also went to see five children that were 
orphans. They were so tendered in the op- 
portunity we had with them, that thry could 

12 



102 MEMOIRS OF 

not forbear weeping aloud. The dear chil- 
dren were recommended to read the scrip- 
tures, and the blessing attendant on obedi- 
ence [to the Lord's will] was set forth to 
them. O5 may the visitors and visited re- 
member, and profit by such condescending 
goodness, such favour from adorable mercy. 
The 25th, I was at a meeting at Knock, 
where I stood up in much fear, and awful 
dread, under the feeling of different states, 
and of a spirit that like Goliah defied the ar- 
mies of Israel's God ; but gracious Goodness 
clothed me with strength to attack it, and by 
his power it seemed, for the present, brought 
under, for an awful covering was over the 
meeting. 

* The 27th we went to Limerick. The 
29th being Firstday, we sat two meetings 
there. My spirit was sunk very low, and 
stripped ; but much exercised under an ap- 
prehension of its being required of me to vi- 
sit the families. I informed my companion 
how it was with me, of which she had a sense 
from the dipped state of my mind. The 31st 
being the day of the Monthly Meeting, we 



I^ARAH STEPHENSOK. 1Q3 

imparted the concern to Friends, and as 
they united with it, we proceeded on the 
visit, and by the next Second-day accom- 
plished it. There were about 24 families. 
My spirit was much exercised in this ser- 
vice ; but renewed ability to labour was afr 
forded, and different states I hope were 
rightly opened. On the Seventh-day came 
Thomas Ross from America, and we had 
his company on the First-day, at the two 
meetings, also at one in the evening at Tho- 
mas Mark's. He is a sweet spirited man, 
much devoted to his Master's use. We left 
Limerick the 6th of the Ninth Month in com- 
pany with him, and took one meeting in the 
way to Clonmel, in which my mind was bent, 
in near affection, towards the dear youth. 
At a meeting at Clonmel, dear Thomas Ross 
was much favoured in public. My mouth 
was not opened, but I was led to visit many 
in silence ; and a humbling prospect was a- 
fresh opened, respecting the visiting of the 
families there, of which I had a view when 
at home ; but as the time of the Quarterly 
Meeting at Waterfbrd was nigh^ we w^nt 



104 MEMOIRS OF 

thither ; where also were John Pemberton, 
Thomas Cash, and Thomas Ross. 

* Though the Lord at this time was pleased 
to employ me in public, and also in moif se- 
lect companies, yet deep were the conflicts 
of my spirit, both on the rode to Waterford, 
and when there, until I gave up to mention 
a concern, which also I had felt when at my 
own home, to visit Friends in their different 
families at that place. Afterwards my spirit, 
though awfully bowed under it, was clothed 
with a sweet calm. 

' We left Waterford the 15th, and had the 
company of our valuable friends John Pem- 
berton and Thomas Cash, on the way to 
ClonmeL The 16th, was a meeting, in 
which they both spoke, myself employed in 
profitable silence. The 18tli, we entered on 
the laborious service of visiting femilies at 
Clonmel. In divers of the sittings I had 
cause humbly to believe it was a right en- 
gagement, our dear Master being graciously 
near, and opening different states in a re- 
markable manner. May such seasons of 
Condescending goodness remain cause of. 



SARAH STEPHENSON* 105 

humiliation, and lead my soul to a firm trust 
in his holy name, who has been pleased thus 
to employ me, not only in this place, but in 
several others in this province of Munster, 
which had been very closely fixed on my 
mind before I left home. O, my soul, mayst 
thou be more and more centered in humble 
devotedness to the requirings of thy God, 
who is w^orthy for ever, to be served, wor- 
shipped, and adored. 

* We have now gone through great part of 
the families, and have cause to say, Hitherto 
the Lord hath helped us. Indeed he has en- 
abled me to deal plainly, and honestly to dis- 
charge my duty ; and I hope wx have left an 
open door for such as may come after us. 
We also visited the families at Garryrone, to 
our satisfaction, and were at some other 
meetings; thence returned to Waterford, and 
the 9th of the Tenth Month began the ardu- 
ous service of visiting families there : my 
soul being dipped as into the bottom of Jor- 
dan. May all within me be so entirely sub- 
missive, as that the Lord's voice may be 
deeply attended to, and wholly obeyed in 



106 MEMOIRS OF 

Simplicity ; that his blessed will may be done 
by me on earth, as it is done in heaven. 

' On First-day, the 10th, sat two meetings 
in humble, and I hope profitable silence : 
after the second, paid two visits. We pur- 
sued the engagement diligently, and were 
enabled, I hope, under a good degree of right 
authority, the covering of the wing of ancient 
Goodness, to speak to dilFerent states. Some 
of the opportunities were memorable sea- 
sons, to the comfort of both visited and visit- 
ors. Tendering invitations were extended 
to some of the youih, but close matter hand- 
ed to others ; and, O, may the slothful be 
aw^akened to diligence before the aw^ful mid- 
night cry be heard, that, so, their language 
may not be, ^' Give us of your oil, for our 
*^ lamps are gone out.'' 1 have kept no writ- 
ten accounts of many of the visits; but some 
as is above-mentioned, were favoured oppor- 
tunities ; in others the life was exceedingly 
low ; and to some of the visited a lively vi- 
sitation was renewed, andreceived with much 
tenderness. O, may it please the God of all 
mercies to fix his gracious renewed call, that 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 107 

it may be like a nail in a sure place. May 
the inhabitants of this land be awakened to 
their proper business, and so work in the 
vineyards of their own hearts, that if calami- 
ties should overtake them, they may be shel- 
tered under the Almighty's wing. 

* The 22d. — I have been very poorly with 
a violent cold, and soreness in my chest, so 
that I was much weakened, and was led to 
look towards my everlasting home : and I 
should, I believe, have been well content to 
lay down my natural liie, had it been my 
dear Master's will. 

< We finished our laborious service at Wa- 
terford, the 29th of the Tenth Month, 
through the renewed help of gracious Good- 
4iess, whose condescension was great in 
opening states, and giving ability to speak 
to them in his love, so that I hope many 
were led to view their undone conditions 
without a Saviour. May it prove lastingly 
profitable to their poor never-dying souls^ 

' We went to Clonmel the 3Gih, and the 
next day the Province-meeting began : the 
sitting in the morning much favoured. The 



108 MEMOIRS 0F 

first of the Eleventh Month, at the close of 
the meeting for worship, began that for bu- 
siness. My mind was much impressed, and 
awfully covered, and as matter opened I was 
led to drop it, pressing some who had enter- 
ed into covenant with God, to keep their 
covenants. The meeting was much broken, 
and a solemn covering over it. When the 
business was iinished, my spirit was led to 
supplicate the Almighty, and the meeting 
ended in a solemn, tender manner. 

'The 5th of the Eleventh Month, we 
came to Cork, the 6th was the wxek-day 
meeting, and the 9th, we began on that 
[still] arduous service of visiting families in 
this city ; sat with five, and I hope we may 
humbly acknowledge that our good Master 
was pleased to give us the earnest-penny. 
Indeed, one of the visits was a memorable 
opportunity ; the descending of divine love 
did so cover and baptize, under which a re- 
newed visitation was extended. May it be 
closed in with ; for if such seasons are 
slighted, in which divine mercy is so boun- 
tifully bestowed, surely it must add to the 



SARAH STEPHENSON* 109 

weight of distress in a day that is hasten- 
ing. 

' The 16th. We have sat with 24 fami- 
lies, and have had humble cause to admire 
the Lord's goodness, who has been pleased 
to be near, strengthening to labour, to deal 
very plainly with the lukewarm, and to warn 
the disobedient, also to comfort some poor 
mournful travellers. I was one evening so 
fatigued, and had taken so little proper 
nourishment, that I was very faint, and 
seemed as if I was going home; but my 
spirit was clothed with such a heavenly 
sweetness, that I believe all would have 
been well with me, O, my soul, mayest 
thou keep near to thy dear Redeemer ; that 
when the time, the solemn time, dotb come, 
my spirit may be centered with Him in ever- 
lasting rest. 

^ 26th, we have had forty-six sittings^ 
very close labour, and many deep baptisms ; 
but may thankfully acknowledge our hea- 
venly Father has been mercifully near, open- 
ing the states of many, and renewing a gra- 
cious invitation to divers. Some, I hope, 

K 



XIO MEMOIRS OF 

will close in with it. O, may Jiis offers of 
love be as bread cast on the waters ; that 
may be found after many days. 

At Cork, Youghall, and Bandon together^ 
we had about two hundred sittings ; but 
what swelled the number was, that I was 
not easy without visiting those who might 
be termed the outcasts ; for wh^n reduced 
very low, I received this language or com- 
mand, G^r/6(?r the scattered^ in a manner 
that deeply contrited my spirit : and we 
may with reverence acknowledge, that the 
gathering arm of power was wonderfully 
manifested, to the tendering of many of 
their minds, so that great contrition appear- 
ed. 

^We left Cork the 9th of the Second 
Month, 1785, and came the 10th to Clon- 
mel, where was Mehetabel Jenkins from 
Berwick, in tlie state of Massachusetts, North 
America. We went with her to a meeting, 
appointed for the town's people at Cash- 
el; which was a solid time. After some 
other religious engagements, we went to 
Waterford. My spirit was ipuch affected 



SARAH STEPHENSON. Ill 

at a First-day meeting there as I sat in si- 
lence, in viewing some whose minds had 
been tenderly visited, but who had not made 
that improvement that could have been wish- 

ed. 

' The Quarterly Meeting began the 26th, 
at which were Thomas Ross and John Pem- 
berton. The week-day meeting w^as the 
1st of the Third month, in which meeting 
my mind was set at liberty. The 2nd paid 
several visits and was engaged in close la- 
bour ; and the next day left Waterford in 
company with Thomas Ross and John Pem- 
berton, and went to Ross, where we had a 
meeting with the town's people, a time, I 
hope of profit to divers. We had also seve- 
ral olli^ religious opportunities there. 
Then we attended a public meeting on the 
way to Hoare town, and from thence went 
to Forrest and Cooladine. At a meeting 
held at the last place, different states were 
visited under the influence of divine love, 
and it was a favoured season : blessed be 
the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who 
remains to be with his Israel, and at times 



112 MEMOIRS OJ 

causeth the shout of a king to be heard in 
the camp. 

* This morning [the date and place are 
omitted] I awoke with the precious feeling 
of the sweetness of divine love, which re- 
mained some time without alloy ; and under 
this covering had the opening of fresh ser- 
vice in this quarter, which brought my spi- 
rit under close exercise. It was to visit the 
families. The 12th, went to Ballinclay, and 
was the next day at the First-day meeting : 
a searching, laborious time. 

* We went the 15 th to Bally darton, and 
the 17th entered on a family visit to the 
meeting at Kilconner, accompanied by 
Richard Shackleton. Some of the visits 
were seasons of favour, in which divine 
goodness administered his visitations of love 
in an extraordinary manner. May the visit- 
ed keep under the tendering power of Truth, 
and then, I believe, some of them will be 
brought into usefulness in the Lord's family. 

* The 22d. This morning closed the family- 
visit under the fresh renewings of the bap- 
tizing power of Truth ; and in the evening 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 113 

reached Cooladine, O, may our minds bow^ 
and reverently worship that awful Being, 
who continues to be near his poor little de- 
pending children. 29th. Finished the fam- 
ily-visit here, not without having had some 
deep and painful labour, though there is a 
little remnant in whom I believe the true 
birth is begotten. May nothing be permit- 
ted to wound, or hinder its increase. I may 
remark that my heavenly Father was pleased 
to own, in a week-day meeting vv^ith the 
comforts of his Holy Spirit, which I silently 
enjpyed, to a greater degree than I have many 
times known: in which, under the runnings 
of the sweet streams- of tender humbling 
consolation, I was led to make fresh cove-^ 
nant that, through the aid of his Holy Spi- 
rit, I would willingly keep with my dear 
crucified Lord, though in a state of continu- 
ed suff,^ring, while the seed was there, nat 
desiring a release ; if He would be pleased 
to sustain and keep in the patience, to tlie 
end. O, may my spirit be so entirely wean- 
ed, as only to desire to be what, and where, 
best pleases my gracious Lord and Master- 

K 2 



114 MEMOIRS OF 

* The First-day meeting was very labori- 
ous, my spirit travelling as under the moun- 
tains ; but I felt engaged to stand up under 
an aAvful covering, and the power of Truth 
spread, to the baptizing of the meeting; and 
I believe I had to close while life was at the 
highest ; and the sweet savour of it remain- 
ed on my mind for sometime after. The 
13th of the Fourth Month, we finished the 
family-visit, within the compass of Forrest 
Meeting. Here Richard Shackleton left us. 
He had been dipped into those baptisms that 
fit us for service, and our spirits were near- 
ly united. 

' The 14th we had a public meeting at 
Wexford, then went to Ballentore, where 
we visited the families. We attended a 
monthly meeting at Enniscosthy, and went 
back to Ballentore ; where at a week- 
day meeting were divers not of our 
society. Truth owned, and I was led to 
open how it had been with me, respecting 
my concern to come to that land : that we 
had no outward gain for preaching, and that 
I felt the ** woe^' was *^ unto me if I preach- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 115 

ed not," I enlarged on the purity that ves- 
sels thus employed should be brought into, 
that the wine and oil might pass without 
mixture* I also had to treat on the advan- 
tage of silent- worship. It was a season of 
favour, for which, may all within me, bless 
and praise Him to whom praise belongs. 

* We visited the families of friends gene- 
rally in the counties of Wexford and Wick- 
low, and felt peace in the review ; though 
deep was our wading, and close the labour^ 
with renewed baptisms. 

' We reached Dublin the 29th of the 
Fourth Month. The half years meeting be- 
gan the 30th, and concluded the 4th of the 
Fifth Month. I was strengthened to perform 
what appeared my duty, to the peace of 
my own mind. On the 4th, under the 
sweet savour of uniting love, we parted with 
dear Mehetabel Jenkins, Richard Shackle- 
ton, and some other friends, who were go- 
ing the next morning for England : and 
soon after my dear companion was seized 
with a violent suffocation, so that if she had 
not been speedily reheved; it appeared likely 



116 MEMOIRS OF 

that she would have been soon removed by 
it. She was bled, and had a blister, which, 
was of servicer- 

^ After this, we were at Mountmelick, and 
paid a family visit ther^, having about fifty 
sittings, some of them close searching sea- 
sons. Dear Mary Ridgway belonged to 
that meeting, to whom my spirit was nearly 
united. We returned by Ballitore, and 
Bultibois to Dublin, and were at several 
meetings. 

' On the 7th of the Sixth Month my spi- 
rit bowed, and was bound up in dark deep 
silence ; and my mind was greatly affected 
lest I had offended my God, and I humbly 
desired to understands in what ; but I was 
awfully and sweetly answered thus, I a772 in 
the thick darkness^ as well as in the light. 
The next day we left Dublin.? 

It may be added that when she delivered 
up her certificate to her Monthly Meetings 
which was in the Eighth Month, she bore 
testimony with reverent thankfulness, to the 
mercy and goodness of the Almighty ; by 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 117 

which, she said, her companion and herself, 
through many deep probations, had been 
endued with help and strength, to discharge 
their duty to his praise, and to their own 
peace* 



118 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAP. VL 

Visits Hampshire, Kent, Surry, Somerset, Devon, 
Dorset, Cornwall — a written Sol loquy — visits 
the Northern and Midland counties — extract of 
a letter — visits families in Hants, Eastern^ 
Northervi, and Midland Counties-^— second fami- 
ly visit at Sheffield, and at Kendal — -family visit 
at Birmingham. 

SARAH STEPHENSON does not ap. 
pear to have travelled much in the remain- 
der of the year in which she closed her en- 
gagements in Ireland ; she however was at 
the Quarterly Meeting for Devonshire ; but 
in 1786, she had a certificate for the pur- 
pose of visiting Friends in Hampshire, Kent, 
Surry, and parts adjacent, with the families 
in some places. In the course of this jour- 
ney, she attended the Yearly Meeting, and 
had Mehetabel Jenkins for a companion 
through Kent, and the adjacent county of 
Sussex. 



SARAH STEPHENSON, ll§ 

^ In 1787 she travelled twice with certifi- 
cate. The first journey was chiefly in 
Somersetshire ; and in divers places the 
visit was extended to families. The other 
engagement was in Devonshire, Cornwall, 
and Dorsetshire. In this visit also, she was 
concerned at times to go from house to 
house ; and Ann Byrd, already mentioned, 
bore her company in the three counties. 

The year 1788 was marked with more 
extensive travels ; but, previously, her mind 
had been much stripped of consolation, and 
enveloped in dismay. Such an event would 
naturally tend to keep it humble, and to 
prepare her for further service. The fol- 
lowing soliloquy, penned the 21st of the 
Second Month shows, in some degree, for 
words paint feelings but feebly, the depth of 
her distress, her continued patience, and the 
administration of help in the needful time. 

* My mind, (says she), having been for 
some time deeply led, as in the valley and 
shadow of death, so that I much feared 1 had 
some v.ay or other greatly offended my good 
Master, many were my searches ; but Oh, 



1219 MEMOIRS OF 

I could not say with David, *^ When I go 
^* through the valley and shadow of death, 
*'l will fear no evil;'^ for many were my 
fears, and the greatest w^as, lest I should 
nevei' again experience the lifting up of the 
light and life of his glorious countenance 
upon me. But this morning, being gather- 
ed into solemn stillness, my soul felt these 
words, "My words, they are spirit, and 
*^ they are life ;" and they proved so to my 
poor spirit, which was then permitted In 
some degree, to see the usefulness of these 
baptisms, not only to myself, but in order 
to feel with, and speak to others who may 
be alike proved ; and who may hear in this 
valley the roaring of the beasts of prey. 
These are deep felt truths^ to the poor in 
spirit.^ 

In the Sixth Month, she received her 
Monthly Meeting's certificate to visit Friends 
in the Northern and Midland counties, also 
in Scotland ; and it had the addition so usual 
in those lately granted to her, it mentioned 
her view of visiting in some places the femi- 
lies of Friends. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 121 

She has left a very short account of this 
long journey ; and indeed she performed it, 
comparatively, in a very short time ; for she 
was at home in the Eleventh Month. Her 
former companion Ann Byrd went with her 
as far as York ; and then Esther Brady (al- 
ready mentioned by the name of Esther 
Marshall) joined her, and they went together 
through Scotland. 

A short extract from a letter, written at 
Edinburgh, on this journey, may show her 
humble disposition, and, in the scarcity of 
information relating to this engagement, 
may be particularly acceptable to the reader. 

' I have had renewedly hitherto, on this 
journey, to admire His love, and great con- 
descension in helping me along, so as to 
leave the places in general peaceful : a fa- 
vour beyond the expression of words. In- 
deed, I cannot but, humbly, afresh at this 
time, admire his goodness, being often led 
to feel after this manner, '^ My father's 
^' family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the 
'Meast in my father's house." 

L 



122 MEMOIRS or 

When she attended the Monthly Meeting 
on her return, and gave back her certificate, 
she informed her friends that in the course 
of her visit, from meeting to meeting, she 
had been led to trust in that power, which 
appeared at first like a grain of mustard- 
seed, but, she added, that in its progress, it 
enabled her fully to discharge her duty. 
She also expressed her compassion for the 
low circumstances of many friends in Scot- 
land, and her belief of the need of thankful- 
ness, for those who were in more easy situa- 
tions. 

Two religious engagements employed a 
part of the year 1789 ; in which she had the 
accustomed certificates of the concurrence of 
Friends. First, accompanied by Ann Byrd, 
she attended the Welch Yearly Meeting 
held that year at Brecon. Then return- 
ing through Herefordshire, they visited the 
families of Friends at Leominster ; and after 
calling at Worcester, and visiting several 
meetings in Gloucestershire, she arrived at 
home after an absence of about two months. 
.Her other engagement was a visit to most 



SARAH STEPHEJSrSON. 123 

of'the families of Friends in Hampshire ; and 
Mary Merry weather, wife of John Merry- 
weather^ of Ringwood in Hampshire, and 
daughter of Robert Davis, of Minehead, 
in Somersetshire, a promising young woman 
in the ministry since deceased, was her com- 
panion. 

She was at the Yearly Meeting both in 
1790 and 1791; but previously to that in 
the latter year, she had obtained a certificate 
to visit some families of Friends in Wales, 
Her own short memorandum of the journey 
only mention those of Pontypool, Mon- 
mouthshire ; after which service she went to 
the Welch Yearly Meeting, held that year 
at Biiilth in Brecknockshire* 

But now a longer journey was to be ac- 
complished, though the season of the year 
might seem ill adapted to the frame of a 
tender female. It seems however, that the 
clear call of religious duty silenced subordi- 
nate considerations, and our friend had long 
been endeavouring in simplicity to follow 
that holy Leader, who can make hard things 
easy. In the Tenth Month she obtained a 



124 MEMOIRS OF 

certificate to visit Friends in some of the 
Eastern, Northern, and Midland counties, 
and families in some spots. Her own words, 
wdth little variation, may relate the accom- 
plishment of the undertaking, 

' I left home the 21st of the Tenth Month, 
1791, W'ith my beloved companion Ann 
Byrd, and got to Marlborough. The 22d, 
after an opportunity with a w^idow friend 
there, w^erode to Hungerford, at which place 
Ave had a sitting with two friends, and then 
W'ent to Newbury. First-day, the 23d, was 
at a favoured meeting, and a sitting at a 
friend's. In the afternoon we rode to Read- 
ing. The 24th we went to Staines, and the 
next day were at a meeting there, owned by 
the Master ; also had two opportunities in 
friends' families. The same evening we 
w^ent to Brentford. The 26th, w^e were at 
a meeting there, the forepart of which was 
very exercising, but it ended comfortably. 
Afterwards we rode to Islington, and lodg- 
ed at Mary Sterry's. On the 27th we had 
a humbling tendering opportunity ; the next 
day rode to Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 125 

and were the day following at a meeting held 
in silence, and deeply exercising ; but we 
had two opportunities in the friends' families 
which much relieved our minds, and then we 
went to Saffron Walden. The 30th, being 
First-day, we were at the two meetings, and 
three opportunities in friends' families. The 
31st we were at a meeting at Thaxted, very 
close and exercising ; but I was enabled, 
under the authority of Truth, to clear my 
mind, and felt comfortable. After dinner, 
we had a baptizing time, to the tendering of 
all present, and then rode to Dunmow. 

' The 1st of the Eleventh Month, we had 
a meeting at Felsted, and the 2d had one at 
Stebbing, attended with deep travail of spirit, 
under the feeling of a lukewarm disposition, 
inattentive to the business of salvation ; and 
for the awakening of such, we were enabled 
to labour closely, but under the influence of 
that love, which covets all to be gathered. 
After dinner, also, we were favoured with 
the extendings of heavenly goodness, under 
which we parted, and rode to Bardfield, 
where George Gibson and Susanna Day^ 
L2 



126 MEMOIRS OF 

from Walden, came to us on the 3d, and \^ c 
had a favoured meeting. They accompanied . 
us in paying two or three family-visits. 
The 5th, we dined at a friend's house, 
M here we had a searching opportunity, then 
rode to J. M's, and spent Seventh-day with 
them. On First-day, we went to Chelms- 
ford, and sat the two meetings, which were 
laborious and exercising ; but we had one or 
two opportunities in friends' families which 
were relieving to our poor minds, so that we 
left the place easy. 

' The 8th, we arose early, and went to 
Boreham to breakfast, where we had a com- 
fortable but closely baptizing opportunity, 
and then went to an appointed meeting at 
Witham, very deeply exercising: more hu- 
mility and spiritual labour were wanting ; 
but Truth arose, and we felt humble thank- 
fulness. The 9th, we had an appointed 
meeting at Maiden, where many friends met 
us, and several of the town's people came, 
and the scholars of a girl's boarding-school. 
It was a memorable day. The blessed 
Truth reigned, both at meeting and in an 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 127 

opportunity at the inn, where twenty or more 
friends were present- It was a day that call- 
ed for reverent thanksgiving to the Author 
of all good ; unto whom all praise belongs ; 
and unto poor mortals, abstracted from hea- 
venly goodness, on'y blushing, and confu- 
sion of fece. The 10th at Kelvedon, we had 
a sweet, silent meeting, also some family sit- 
tings ; and the next day a meeting attended 
with close labour, under the feeling of a luke- 
warm spirit being too prevalent. On the 
12th, was a meeting at Coggeshall, large and 
mercifully ow^ned by our great and good 
Master. It ended with solemn supplication. 
We had also several other favoured opportu- 
nities, and left the place peaceful. 

* The 13th, we went to Colchester, where 
we found [our] dear [ancient friend] John 
Kendal weak and poorly ; but I believe 
sweetly alive in the immortal life. The 
next day we were at the two meetings, 
which were deeply exercising, and did not 
tend much to the relief of our minds. The 
next morning we had a sweet opportunity at 
a girl's boarding-school, and went forwards. 



128 MEMOIRS 0F 

On the 16th, we were at a meeting at Cohie, 
a thiie of deep exercise. Here our beloved 
friend Mary Brightwen, of Coggeshall, met 
us, whose company w^e also had at some 
other places. She is one w ho lives near that 
pure fountain, which preserves us fresh, 
and living in the best life. We had two fa- 
voured opportunities, and then rode to Hal- 
sted ; and on the 17th, were at a meeting 
there, and at several family opportunities, in 
which the offer of holy help wns extended. 
The 18th w^e went to Haverill, and were the 
next day in a meeting there, had deep wad- 
ing, but Truth arose, and it ended with 
thanksgiving and praises to Him who is for 
ever worthy. 

[Being now in Suffolk] * we went the 
20th to Sudbury, and the next day attended 
the two meetings. At the afternoon one 
was a burial, and they were both owned, as 
also were several other opportunities. Sa- 
muel Alexander, of Needham, in this coun- 
ty, met Ub here, and his company W'as truly 
acceptable. On the 22d, he accompanied 
\is to Ipswich, where we rested the next day, 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 129 

and had a tendering opportunity with some 
friends in the evening. The 24th, we were 
at meeting, and a time of renewed favour it 
was. My mind w^as deeply baptized, and I 
had sensibly to perceive that there was a re- 
newed visitation to a man friend there, on 
whose head I thought I could lay my hand. 
It was a day to be remembered. The indi- 
vidual above alluded to was much tendered. 
I hope it will be made profitable to him, and 
that he may make covenant, and keep it. 
After meeting we had a sweet tendering op- 
portunity at our lodgings, where several 
friends were present ; and in the afternoon 
we went home with Samuel Alexander to 
Needham. The 25th we went into the 
country to visit an infirm woman, and in the 
afternoon to see William Crotch and his fa- 
mily, where we had an uniting season, not 
soon to be forgotten. The following day 
we were at the meeting, in which a little 
bread was handed to the poor and needy, of 
which number there were some almost ready 
to faint. The passage respecting the poor 
widow, who was gathering two sticks, to. 



130 MEMOIRS OF 

bake a cake before she and her son died, was 
revived, as applicable to a state, or states, 
then present ; and I believe it was made a 
season of encouragement to some^ We had 
some uniting opportunities at that place, I 
hope not soon to be forgotten. 

' On the 27th, accompanied by Samuel 
Alexander, we set out for Brandon, and vvere 
the next day, at a meeting laborious, and 
deeply exercising. Here some friends from 
Bury met us. The 29th, we rode to Ware- 
hum in Norfolk, and had a comfortable bap«^ 
tizing season in a friend^s family there. 
That evening we went to Wisbeach in Cam- 
bridgeshire. About seven miles of the road 
was, I think, one continued mire, so that 
our horse was in danger of being set fast, 
but we were favoured to get safe through it« 
We went the same evening to Gedney, in 
Lincolnshire, w^here our kind friend Samuel 
Alexander left us. The 30th we were at 
meeting there, which was a season of encou- 
ragement to the few who belonged to it ; we 
also had a tendering cementing time, before 
we left the place, and then we rode to Spaldr 



SARAH STEPHENSON. ISl 

ing. On the 1st of the Twelfth Month, we 
were at a meeting there, pretty large, and 
for a time very exercising ; but the covering 
of ancient Goodness gradually spread over 
us, and an encouraging time it was, as well 
as a close one. On the 2d and 3d, we were 
riding to Broughton ; and the meeting the 
next day was small, owing to the inclemen- 
cy of the weather : it was silent and deeply 
exercising ; but an opportunity which we 
had in a family, tended much to the relief of 
our minds, and I believe to the comfort of 
some, whom we left under the precious feel- 
ing of the Father's love. That afternoon 
we rode to Newark in Nottinghamshire, 
eight miles, the weather being very cold and 
snowy, and the next day, over the forest, to 
Mansfield. The snow was so deep, that 
we had much difficulty in getting along ; but, 
through the goodness of our gracious Help- 
er, we came safely. The 6th, we were at a 
meeting at Mansfield, I trust to satisfaction, 
and afterwards rode to Chesterfield, We 
had a meeting there the 9thj comfortable 



152 liEMOIRS OF 

and refreshing to our spirits, and I hope to 
others. 

' The 10th we went to Sheffield, and the 
next day entered on the close and laborious 
service of visiting families. We had above 
one hundred sittings, and casual opportuni- 
ties. The number was increased by extend- 
ing the visit to those that w^ere disunited^ 
and to such as attended meetings, though 
not joined in membership with the society. 
I think we might thankfully acknowledge 
that gracious Goodness afforded help from 
day to day, and covered our spirits with his 
gathering love ; so that when close things 
were dropped, they did not seem to be spurn- 
ed at. 

' We closed the laborious service the 9th 
of the First Month, 1792, and left Sheffield 
the 11th, in near unity, I believe, with the 
truly living among them. On the 12th, we 
reached Stockport in Cheshire ; and the 
meeting there was a baptizing season. The 
15th we attended a meeting at Newton, which 
is a small one, on the forest, and in a very 
cold exposed situation, and no house near. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 133 

Our minds were dipped into sympathy with 
the few friends belonging to it. May such 
as are differently situated prize their privi- 
leges, and not neglect the attendance of 
meetings through small matters, or slight 
indisposition. From thence we went to 
Sutton, where the meeting was rather small, 
but owned by the Master by the extendings 
of holy help, in order to strengthen the little 
that remains that is almost ready to die. 
Next day was a meeting at Frandley, pretty 
large, a low and wading time, but I hope 
not without profit to some present. After 
meeting we went to Warrington, in Lanca- 
shire, and on the 17th, attended a marriage. 
In the afternoon we had a favoured opportu- 
nity, in which a precious visitation was re- 
newed to divers present. The next day we 
had a meeting with Friends, a time of favour, 
and of tender visitation to backsliders. On 
the 19th, was a meeting at Ashton, a time 
of deep wading, but it ended under the feel- 
ing of life; and on the 20th, one at Langton, 
I hope to profit. The 21st, we were at a 
meeting at Preston, deeply exercising ; but 

M 

I 



134 MEMOIRS OF 

some select opportunities were to satisfac- 
tion. The 22d we went to Lancaster, and 
rested a few davs at mv dear cousin Sarah 
Dillworth's, with whom and her daughter, 
we were refreshed with the descendings of 
celestial dew, from Him who regards the 
dust of Zion, and satisfies her poor with 
bread. We also attended the week-day- 
meeting, which was deeply exercising, there 
being but few deeply travailing baptized 
minds, but many revolters who are laying 
the reins as on the neck, and going whither 
they list, and others in a lukewarm state ; so 
that Avhen Jerusalem is searched as with 
candles, what must be the portion of these i 
* From Lancaster we went to Kendal, my 
mind being under close baptism, having 
long had a prospect of again visiting families 
there; and this appeared to be the right time. 
So, with the unity of Friends there, we en- 
tered on that weighty service, and though 
deep wading and frequent baptisms were our 
portion, yet, we had thankfully to experience 
the arm of sure help to be near for our sup- 
port, and to supply for the service of each 



SARAH STEFHENSOls'. 135 

day. To Him praise and thanksgiving be- 
longs, now and for ever ! Thus, through 
the renewings of holy help, we were enabled 
to go through the service, under the cover- 
ing of that love, which seeketh to save, and 
also to bring back those that are gone astray. 
I think we had about ninety sittings ; and 
wc parted with the living among them, un- 
der the sweet feeling of that unity, aptly 
compared to the ointment poured on the 
head of Aaron ^ that ran down ihe beard and 
to the skirts of the garment. There is a 
precious remnant of the living upright heart- 
ed in that place, and they have a mournful 
allotment. From Kendal, we went to Yel- 
land. Wray, and Settle, and were at First- 
day Meeting at the last named place. The 
prevalence of a lukewarm spirit was painful- 
ly to be felt; but there is a remnant, which 
I trust is like the few in Sardis, whose gar- 
ments were unspotted. May the humble 
diffident minds be strengthened. [We had 
now^ entered Yorkshire] and we proceeded 
from Settle to Airton, and Skipton, where 
formerly that honourable man in his day, 



136 M£MOIRS OF 

David Hall, lived. We had a searching 
lime there; but an invitation to the Foun- 
tain of purification was given, and some 
consolation, to the poor travellers Zionward, 
was handed forth. From Skipton, taking 
one meeting by the way, we went to Raw^- 
den ; and had deep wading at the meeting on 
First-day ; but, after a considerable time of 
starving that thirst for vocal ministry, wiiich 
is painful to rightly exercised ministers, 
Truth arose. We w^ent the same evening 
to dear Christiana Hustler's, near Bradford, 
and rested two days, as both of us were poor- 
]y in health. It was comfortable being with 
Christiana and her daughters ; and whilst 
w^e W'Cre with them several friends came to 
see us, with whom we had some favoured 
opportunities. We afterwards took some 
meetings in our way to Chesterfield, and 
from that place proceeded pretty directly to 
the Quarterly Meeting held at Birmingham. 
We also visited the families in that place, 
from which I returned home, and reached 
Melksham the 2.3d of the Tenth Month. 
1792. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 137 



CHAP. VH. 

Two memorandums — visits the North again — 
Ack worth School— Esther Take — Edinburgh 
— John Wigham — Glasgow, Cornwood, and 
Allandale — Meetings in Durham and York- 
shire— •famihes at Whitby and Scai-borough— . 
York Quarterly Meeting — Deborah Townsend 
— ^families at Pickering and Hull, &c.— -a third 
time at Lancaster — families at Liverpool — 
Esther Tuke near her close — families at 
Mansfield — Coalbrookdale — Ann Summerland 
extract of a letter — visits families in some South- 
ern and Western counties — a visit to part of the^ 
Eastern and southern counties — families at 
Norwich — at Lynn, and Yarmouth — at Col- 
chester. 

WE have not any account of further tra- 
vels during the remainder of the year 1792; 
nor of many in the following year ; except 
that our friend was at the Welch Yearly 
Meeting, held at Carmarthen ; also at the 
M 2 



138 MEMOIRS OF 

Essex Quarterly Meeting held at Colchester, 
and at some others on her return home- 
wards • 

The two following memorandums belong 
to this year, 1793. 

^ 21st of Sixth Month. Being at Wanbo- 
rough, I awoke this morning with the sweet 
hnpression of these words : As a tender 
Shepherd^ doth He care for his sheep. 

' Twelfth Month. At a meeting on a 
public occasion, my mind was much exercis- 
ed, travailing after a deep centre and lowly 
waiting, to get where the counsel of God i^ 
opened, either for ourselves, for the people, 
or for both ; but my exercise being, as I 
thought quite unavailing, my spirit sunk in- 
to dejection. But near the close of the 
meeting, w^hen mourning as a dove without 
its mate, a language was uttered, in the se- 
cret of my soul, after this manner : 1 hou 
art precious unto me. I have grai)en thee 
on the palms of my hands. Thy avails are 
continually before me^^ 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 13§>" 

Early in the year 1794, she again obtain- 
ed a certificate for visiting the North : which 
journey like the former one may be related 
with small variation in her own words. 

' The 15th of the Third Month, I set out 
for the North, in company with my dear 
friend Mary Jefferys, jun. of Melksham, in- 
tending to be at the Half-years Meeting in. 
Scotland. We left Melksham in the morn- 
ing after having been favoured together with 
the sweet over-shadowings of love, and after 
reverent solemn supplication to the Father 
of all sure mercies : under which our spirits 
were united^ and an humble trust raised in 
the ever worthy name of all-saving help. 
We went by way of Hampton, Nailsworth, 
&c. a friend of Melksham accompanying us 
as far as Worcester. The 18th we attend- 
ed a meeting there, which was a season own- 
ed of the Master. In the afternoon paid a 
comfortable satisfactory visit to George Bec- 
ket and his wife. He was confined by ill- 
ness. In this opportunity, we were favoured 
to drink together of the brook by the way, 
which truly refreshes the poor weary travel- 



140 MEMOIRS OF 

lers. The next day we went to Stour- 
bridge, and the 20th were at meeting there, 
in which my mind was led into searching 
labour, but also in gathering love; and at 
the close, solemn supplication arose* The 
same afternoon we rode to Dudley. Next 
day, we were at a meeting there, in which 
gracious help was administered, and some 
close labour was extended under the tender 
covering of love, and the honest-hearted 
were encouraged, humbly to persevere. At 
the close, the covering of the Spirit of so- 
lemn supplication was felt, under which 
prayer was put up to the blessed Preserver 
of men. 

' We proceeded to Birmingham, Tam- 
worth, Chesterfield^ Sheffield, Warnsworthy. 
Thorn, and Doncaster, having one or more 
meetings at e -ch place ; and I was favoured 
with help to discharge my mind. At Tam- 
worth, we visited the few friends in their 
families. The 4th of the Fourth Month, 
we reached A ck worth, staid there some 
days, attended the meetings on First-day, 
and the Week-day ; and I felt my mind 



SARAH STEPHENSON, 141 

drawn to have separate sittings with differ- 
ent parts of the family. Some of them 
were to sweet satisfaction, particularly that 
in the Girl's school, where was a general 
tenderness. Oh ! there are some, yea, 
many sweet children ! May they be preserv- 
ed, is the fervent desire of my spirit ! We 
also went to the Monthly Meeting at Ponte- 
fract, in which my mind was much exercis- 
ed in deep travail, and enabled to labour in 
a very close manner; but uiKJer that cover- 
ing that desires all might be gathered, and 
the dead in spirit raised from their graves of 
earthly mindedness, before the solemn lan- 
guage be uttered. Remove the candlesticks 
out of their places. For this, my soul 
prays. My spirit felt easy in having faith- 
fully warned them. 

^ We then went to York, and was kindly 
received by dear Esther Tuke and her family. 
We attended the two meetings there, on 
First-day, and in the evening had a select 
sitting with the scholars £o( the Girl's 
school] in which Esther appeared sweetly 
in testimony. From York we went to 



142 MEMOIRS OF 

Thirsk, Stockton, and Newcastle. After 
we had been at meeting there, being accom- 
panied by two friends of that town^ w^e pro- 
ceeded for Scotland. 

' The 22d of the Fourth Month, we got to 
Kelso, and had a meeting there, owned by 
the Master ; and the 25th, reached, Edin- 
burgh. In the evening the Meeting of 
Ministers and Elders was held, and the next 
day, the adjourned Monthly Meetiiig. On 
the following day^ being First-day, were two 
pretty large public meetings, both owned 
of the Master ; and many of the inhabitants 
came in. In the morning, I was engaged 
both in testimony and supplication ; and in 
the afternoon in testimony. John Wigham 
was there, and engaged in public labour in 
both meetings. He was preparing to go, 
on a religious visit, to America ; and under 
this awful prospect, my mind was led into 
near sympathy with him. 

' On the 28th, was the H If-year's Meet- 
ing : first one for worship, then one for bu- 
siness, and in the evening the meeting for 
Ministers and Elders, all in degree owned. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 143 

We had also, after supper, a heart tendering 
opportunity with the friends out of the 
North, to whom I felt, or at least to some 
of them, the flowings of gospel love, sweet- 
ly cementing our spirits. We afterwards 
sat with the different families belonging to 
Edinburgh Meeting, and were also at their 
week-day meeting, and the 2d of the Fifth 
Month, set out for Glasgow. We arrived 
there the next day, in the afternoon, and 
the rude rabble followed our chaise, as we 
rode along the streets, behaving very unhand- 
somely, of which our singular appearance 
might be the occasion* 

* The 4th wc had a meeting with a few 
who are in part convinced, and a few other 
persons. It was a season owned by the 
Master w^ith his good presence, so that we 
had cause afresh to bless and praise His holy 
name. The 7th, we reached Carlisle, one 
hundred miles from Glasgow, and were, the 
next day at meeting there, a close searching 
time, but I felt best help to enable me to 
discharge what appeared my duty, and was 
peaceful. The 9th, we set out for Gorn- 



144 MEMOIRS 01- 

wood and stopped at Haltwhistlc to dine, 
where a friend met us, and led our horse in 
such roads, as seemed almost impassable for 
a chaise, on account of bogs ; but wc were 
favoured to get safe to Thomas Wigham's 
that evening. The next day we rested, and 
the following day, being First-day, were at 
meeting, a time in which I believe many 
felt something of the power of Truth. The 
12th, we went to AUandale, and though the 
distance is but twelve miles, we were four 
hours or more in going. The road was so 
very bad two miles of the way, we rode in 
Thomas Wigham's cart. One friend led 
the horse, and another walked by our side, 
and often held the cart, to prevent us from 
being overturned ; but the day was fine, 
and my mind peaceful, so that I have sel- 
dom had a more comfortable ride. The 
13th, we had a meeting at AUandale, in 
which difterent states were opened and spo- 
ken to, I believe under the power of Truths 
as it was a favoured season. The 14th, we 
went to Newcastle, and the 15th was the 
Week-day meeting, a season of sweet re- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 145 

freshment, I believe, to the humble travel- 
lers, tendhig further to unite the spirits of 
some of us. In the afternoon we rode to 
Durham ; at which place we had a meeting, 
exercising and very laborious, among a few 
who are robbed and spoiled. We went the 
same day to Darlington, and on tlie 18th, 
being First-day, were at the meeting there, 
in which the wing of the gathering love of 
the Great Shepherd was, I believe, sensibly 
.perceived by many. On the 20th, was the 
Monthly Meeting, which we attended, a low 
wading season. On the 21st, we had a fa« 
voured meeting at Yarm, and in the after- 
noon wxnt to Ayton, where the next day we 
had a meeting, in which my mind was much 
enlarged, I trust under right authority. 
The 23d, we went to Whitby, where the 
next day, which was First-day, I went to 
meeting under a weighty exercise, having 
long had a prospect of visiting the families 
-of Friends there ; and sitting under deep 
baptism, after a time I felt it my place to 
stand up, and was engaged V. testimony ; 
in the course of which I had to inform 

N 



146 MEMOIRS OF 

Friends of my prospect of visiting families. 
When we returned from meeting, I feceiv- 
ed a letter giving an account of the death of 
a dearly beloved child, and my cousin, Ed- 
ward JeiFerys, jun. whom I had cared for as 
a child of my own. This information deep- 
ly affected my natural feelings, but, under 
the conflict, a sweetness not to be fully ex- 
pressed covered my mind, with a language 
as though uttered by him. Weep not for me, 
for I am glorified in heaven. Thus my spi- 
rit was bowed in thankfulness, with tears of 
humble rejoicing. My mind was so strength- 
ened, that I went to meeting in the after- 
vnoon, and in the evening entered on the ar- 
duous service of visiting families, through 
the condescending goodness of Him who 
helpeth with his blessed Spirit to tread as oa 
scorpions, giving a degree of that harmless 
nature of the dove, which makes way 
amongst high and opposing spirits, by 
which, at least for the present, some were 
brought down. We also met with some 
who, like scattered sheep, were very insen- 
sible of their loss ; but these were invited 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 147 

home to the true Shepherd's fold. We also 
met with a small mournful remnant, who I 
fear may weaken themselves by unprofita- 
ble bemoaning. We had near seventy sit- 
tings, besides attending First-day and week- 
day meetings. It was a deeply exercising 
engagement ; but through adorable kind- 
ness, we were favoured to close peacefully, 
and took leave of them at the last meeting 
und^ the renewed extendmgs of gathering 
love. 

* We next went to SeaHoorough, where 
we were engaged in the like arduous service. 
When we had gone about half through the 
visit, the Quarterly Meeting at York came 
on, and we attended it. It was very large, 
and measurably owned by the Master ; but 
the exercise and depression of my poor spi- 
rit was not small, though I was helped to 
relieve myself by uttering what seemed my 
duty to deliver. Dear Esther Tuke, a 
mother in Israel, was aifectionately kind. 

* At this Quarterly Meeting were Deborah 
Townsend of London, and her companion 
Mercy Ransom of Hitchin, iii their way to 



148 MEMOIRS OF 

Scotland. Dear Deborah's state of health 
was such, that according to human proba- 
bility, she was not likely again to see her 
own habitation ; but her mind evinced a 
state of resignation, and preparation for 
what her good Master might see best, either 
life or death. They travelled on, though 
with difficulty, as far as Edinburgh, and there 
Deborah peacefully closed the scene of life. 
' When the Quarterly Meeting was q^er, 
we returned to Scarborough, to finish the 
family visit there, in the course of which wc 
had some tendering opportunities with di- 
vers who attended our meetings, though not 
joined to the society ; and those who were 
so, but whose dwellings were not within the 
precious inclosure, were called, and invited 
no longer to remain without it : but to re- 
turn, with speed, v/hilst the day of merciful 
visitation v»^as extended, before the door 
vv^as shut. There was also a travailing rem- 
nant, which was, I trust, a little strengthen- 
ed ; and we parted under the feeling of the 
precious love of Him, from whom all good 
cometh, and to whom belongeth blessing 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 149 

and honour, salvation and praise; but from 
the servants the acknowledgment remains to 
be due, *' We are unprofitable servants, we 
*' have done that w^hich it was our duty to 
" do." 

* We visited the few families belonging to 
Pickering, about fifteen, and also attended 
their Monthly Meeting, and then went to 
Bridlington, and sat w'ith the few families 
there ; also attended the meeting on First- 
day. Some sober neighbours came in, 
whose minds seemed in a seeking state, and 
who were, I believe, glad of the opportunity. 
Surely the Lord's table will be filled, and 
the descendants of the faithful shut out, if 
they turn not in time to Him, w^ho hath so 
loudly called, >' Turn ye, turn ye, why will 
*^ ye die, O house of Israel ?'' From Pick- 
ering we went to Beverley ; some miles of the 
way on the sand, close by the sea. As the 
weather was fine, and I had the feeling of 
that peace which is an evidence of our being 
in the way we should go, it made the ride 
pleasant- We had a meeting at Beverley 
the next day, exercising and laboripu^^ 
N 2 



150 MEMOIRS ©F 

Thence we went to Hull, where being join- 
ed by Christiana Hustler, we entered pretty 
directly on the arduous service of visiting 
families ; and though the baptisms were ma- 
ny, and the labour deep, yet merciful help 
w?^ graciously near, ao that I trust some 
minds were benefited. We finished the en- 
gagement on a Sixth-day evening, had an 
appointed meeting the next day for all the 
visited^ and in the afternoon went to Cave* 
We were at the meeting there on First.day> 
in which very close doctrine w^as dropped, 
for the arousing of the lukewarm careless 
professors, to awake lest they sleep the sleep 
of death. After this we parted with Chris- 
tiana Hustler, and went to York, were at 
the Week-day meeting, a season owned by 
the Master, and the next day went to Selby. 
M. Anderson of Kelso, who was at York^ 
went with us, also Elizabeth Tuke. Their 
company was pleasant, and the meeting at 
Selby favoured with the descendings of hea- 
venly good. The next day. Me went to 
Leeds, and on First-day attended both the 
meetings tiiere. A little strength was given 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 151 

to throw offmy burthen; and to leave it with 
them. The next meetmg was Skipton, in 
which was deep wading and close labour; 
but Truth arose, and I trust some minds 
were strengthened; and to others, their states 
opened and the way set forth how and where 
to apply for saving help : also the danger of 
delay. After meeting, we went to Settle^. 
and had a meeting appointed there. Strength 
was given to labour ^ I hope faithfully. We 
also had some more private opportunities to 
a good degree of satisfaction • We went to 
Benthamon a Seventh-day, and on First-dav" 
were at mreeting there, a close searching 
time, but favoured. In the afternoon we 
went to Lancaster, under the prospect of that 
arduous service of visiting the families of 
Friends there, from house to house; which 
was performed; and Oh, the deep baptisms, 
through which my soul passed while so en- 
gaged, the Master only knoweth. We had 
upwards of ninety sittings, besides attending 
their First-day, and week-day meetings. 
There are many in this place, who have 
^^ waxed fat and kidked)'' and forsaken the 



152' MEMOIRS GP 

Rock of their salvation ; unto whom the of- 
fers of mercy were afresh extended, on the 
terms of true repentance. There are a few 
who see the disordered state of things, but 
sink under discouragement. May He who 
was with little David enable them to put on 
strength in his eternal Name, to search, and 
cleanse the camp/ 

' Having, I trust, been enabled to divide 
the Word aright, we left Lancaster peaceful, 
and went to Preston. We had a meeting 
with the few friends there. The spring of 
life seemed low, though I believe there is a 
little exercised remnant. From Preston, we 
went to Liverpool, with a prospect of again 
engaging in that arduous service of visiting 
families, and the Quarterly Meeting, to be 
held there approaching, I had a strong desire 
to get as far through the visit as possible 
with propriety, before it came on; and feel- 
ing the blessed Helper near, I too much for- 
got my own feeble frame, which was much 
worn down; so I was at last obliged to lie 
by, just as the Quarterly Meeting came on ; 
and I was confined to my chamber, which- 



SARAH STETKEKSON. 153 

occasioned considerable delay in that part of 
the engagement which was unfinished. I 
moved, however, a little in it before I was 
quite recovered, and was helped to get 
through the visit j though my weakness 
continued, and many and deep were the at- 
tendant baptisms; but adorable kindness 
bore up ; and, in some degree gave to drink, 
with a little living remnant, of *' the brook 
by the way,'' and to praise the name of Him 
who livcth for ever. Whilst we were here, 
Esther Tuke came to Liverpool, though in 
a very infirm state, feeling a desire to be at 
that meeting and a few others. It was a lit- 
tle debt, which she felt unpaid, and she was 
desirous of finishing the day's work before 
the close came, which seemed near. She 
was favoured to finish the service, which she 
had a prospect of, and returned home peace- 
ful, like a faithful and good servant, and I 
believe was ready to receive the invitation — 
*^ Come, thou blessed of my Father :" and 
in a very short space of time she was gather^ 
ed, I doubt not, to an everlasting mansion of 
peace. 



154 MEMOIRS OF 

^ But the Goncern with which I left home 
was not yet accomplished, so when I was a 
little recruited, beiijg desirous not to lose 
time, of which 1 think I cannot justly charge 
myself, being too apt to err on the other 
hand, we left Liverpool for Manchester, and 
Sarah Benson, of Liverpool, felt a concern to 
join us in a visit to the families of Friends 
there. 

' We attended tlie Monthly Meeting on a 
Third-day, and on Fourth^day entered on the 
weighty service, for weighty it is, as there is 
at seasons occasion to bring matters home, 
like Nathan to David. But the Ancient of 
da}^s was near, and was pleased to renew a 
gracious visitation to many, and in particu- 
lar to the strayed sheep of the house of Israel^ 
that they might return to the Father's house 
in deep humiliation, contrition, and abase- 
ment, andthen they would have bread enough, 
and to spare. In many of these opportuni- 
ties, great brokenness was witnessed. We 
found in this place, a precious exercised 
remnant, unto which we were nearly united; 
and at the close of the viriit parted under the 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 155 

sweet covering of that love which is the 
badge of discipleship. We had one hun- 
dred and twelve sittings besides the First- 
day and week-day meetings, in twenty eight 
days. My poor frame was much worn down, 
but that felt of little consequence to me, 
though, from the feeling of weakness, I was 
induced to question whether I might reach 
home. 

^ From Manchester, we went to Warring- 
ton and attended their First-day meetings 
which were graciously owned by the Mas- 
ter, without whom the poor servants can do 
nothing. We were also favoured in the 
evening, with a precious opportunity at our 
lodgings, many friends being there. The 
next day we went to Chester, and sat with 
a few in their families, with whom we felt 
sympathy, much desiring that the little that 
remains may be strengthened. From Ches- 
ter we went to Shrewsbury, and had a meet- 
ing there : we also went to see a friend on 
his death- bed, which was a tendering oppor- 
tunity. He was soon ait^.r removed, I trust 
into that rest where sorrow is not known, 



156 MEMOIRS OF 

and all tears are wiped away, for ever to 
unite in Hallelujahs, with the redeemed. 
The same afternoon we w^ent to Coaibrook- 
dale , and attended two meetings on a First- 
day to satisfaction. In them, and in an op- 
portunity in the evening, consolation was 
administered to the mournful tried hidden 
ones. Dear Ann Summerland was at both 
meetings, and also present in the evening, 
Huw beautiful, to behold greenness in old 
age ! On Second-day, we went to Bewdley, 
and parted w^ith dear Sarah Benson, We 
had a meeting there the next day, and went 
afterwards to Worcester, and thence home^ 
taking only one meeting in our way. I w^as 
favoured to reach Melksham, the 6th of the 
Twelfth Month, 1794, without any materi- 
al accident ; and though with a feeble body, 
with a mind favoured with an evidence of 
having been moving in the humble, and I 
trust faithful discharge of that duty, w^hich 
was required of me by Him, who is for ever 
worthy to be served, worshipped and 
adored. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 157 

The following short extract of a letter 
written soon after her return from this jour- 
ney, may be a pleasant supplement. 

^ What is matter of humble thankfulness 
is that, on looking back, it affords peace, and 
that I reverently feelabelief of having clear- 
ed the way ; not [having] left undone what 
1 ought to have done. But notv/ithstanding 
this, this language has been much the com- 
panion of my mind, I am but an unprofita- 
ble servant. Indeed I feel nothing whereof 
to boast, save infirmities, and I hope a little 
in the cross of Christ,' 

In 1795,' she was at London at the Year- 
ly Meeting, and in the following winter visi- 
ted the families of Friends at Exeter, Shafts- 
bury, Poole, and Fordingbridge, having a 
certificate addressed to Friends in the respec- 
tive counties, and in Somersetshire. She 
returned early in 1796, with an acknow- 
ledgment of divine help ; and in that year 
<:ame again to the Yearly meeting. As win- 
ter approached she began to prepare for an • 

O 



158 MEMOIRS Oi 

Other journey, and obtained a certificate. 
Her late companion Mary JcfFerys, had also 
the Monthly Meetings concurrence in bear- 
ing her company. A prospect of visiting 
families was also before her in this journey ; 
and it may be remarked that though she had 
now been long accustomed to such visits, 
and was a sort of veteran in the service, it 
still appeared to her to be awful and ardu- 
ous. 

The following is very slightly varied from 
her own memorandums : 

' The 18th of the Eleventh Month,' says 
she, ^ I left home, under no small weight of 
exercise, having in prospect a visit to 
Friends in part of the Eastern and Southern 
counties, also to the families of Friends at 
Norwich, and some other places : my dear 
cousin, Mary JefFerys, jun. being my com- 
panion. We took Cirencester in our way, 
proceeding through Oxfordshire, Bucking- 
hamshire, and Hertfordshire, into Suffolk 
and Norfolk, going pretty direct to Norwich^ 
and taking meetings as we passed along : 
but the weight of the service of visiting 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 159 

families was such as closely tried me. We 
got to that city on Seventh day. First-day 
we went to meeting, and near the close of it 
my way opened to some service, and I was 
helped through to the ease of my own mind. 
Next morning, by request, the ministers 
and elders met together to give me an op- 
portunity of spreading before them my pros- 
pect. I also gave them, my certificate to 
read, and a solemn opportunity it was, the 
precious wing of divine love being measura- 
bly spread over us, in which unity and sym- 
pathy, were fully expressed, and a willing- 
ness to afford any assistance in their power* 
It was given with grea^. readiness to the 
close of the visit; and indeed we had a re- 
markably open door nearly through the 
whole of every description ; but this was the 
Lord's doing, and marvellous in my eyes. 
O, blessed be his holy Name, who was mer- 
cifully near, renewing gracious help, and 
opening fresh matter to the various states, 
from family to family, under the precious 
tendering power of gathering love. It was 
a time of renewed visitation to many. O 



160 Memoirs of 

may the favours of heaven be rightly receiv- 
ed and improved, to the present and lasting 
advantage of their immortal spirits. I'he 
baptisms, through which my soul passed, is 
only known to the full by Him, w^ho w^eighs 
the hills in a scale, and the mountains in a 
balance ; but the close was peaceful, and the 
remembrance has caused humble thanksgiv- 
ing. 

' We left Norwich the 23d of the First 
Month, 1797, parting w^ith some there in 
precious nearness. The 24th, was at a 
meeting at Wymondham, in which ability 
was given to labour closely and faithfully, 
under that coveringi^hich covets to seek and 
save, that none might be lost. The 25th, 
w^e rode to Swaffham, twenty-five miles, and 
the next day had a meeting owned by Him 
W'ho is the light and life of his poor exercised 
children. The 27th, we had a precious op- 
portunity before we set oiffor Lynn. In the 
w^ay there, we called on a sick friend with 
w^honi w^e had a tendering time. Next day, 
being Seventh-day, w^e rested at Lynn; and 
on First-day, after the second meeting, we 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 161 

entered on a family-visit there. We had 
twenty-four sittings, including visits to those 
who attended our meetings though not in 
membership. The opportunities with some 
of these sober people were to solid satisfac- 
tion. We also visited the girls of a charity- 
school, and a tendering time it was. I think 
I never saw more general tenderness amongst 
children. Their mistress was also tendered. 
Ah, I do believe the feet of the Lord's mes- 
sengers will be turned to look after children 
3vho are not of this fold. Ah, what abundant 
labour and care has been bestowed on the 
children of our Society, and how have some 
of them cast it behind their backs ! 

^ From Lynn we went to Wells, and were 
at a Monthly Meeting there, a time of deep 
exercise, and sat wath the few families. 
Then we went to Ho t, and on, by way of 
Norwich, to Yarmouth, where also we visit- 
ed the families of Friends. We had thirty- 
seven sittings, in which gracious help was 
mercifuUv vouchsafed, so that w^e were help- 
ed through the visit to the peace of our own 
minds, and I humbly trust the seed was vi- 
O 2 



162 MEMOIRS OF 

sited, the pure life a little strengthened, and 
some afresh animated to press forward for 
the prize that is at the end of the race. The 
lukewarm were warned of their danger, and 
the rebellious invited to flee from the WTath 
to come. The repeated close engagements, 
accompanied by daily baptisms, with expo- 
sure to the cold air after beingin warm rooms, 
much affected my feeble frame ; yet I did 
not feel myself at liberty to lie by to recruit, 
but trusted in the holy arm for help of 
body as well as of mind, so pressed forw^ard, 
and was mercifully supported. When the 
visit was finished, we set off the following 
morning for Pakefield, wdiere we had a meet- 
ing in the evening, a humbling opportunity. 
^ At this place, and in different places on 
the coast, the people seemed under a fearful 
apprehension of an invasion by the French. 
At many places, particularly Yarmouth, 
there were a great number of military and 
naval men, whem it was affecting to see. 
Ah ! when will the desirable day approach, 
when the swords will be beaten into plough- 
shares, and the spears into pruning-hooks, 



SARAH STEPHENSON, 163 

and the people learn war no more. When 
I was on the Norfolk and Sufiold coast, the 
feeling of a warlike spirit deeply affected my 
mind, as being that to which the Lord Jesus 
came to put an end. 

^ We had meetings at Beccles, Leystone, 
and Woodbridge, and so on to Colchester, 
where we visited the families and were mer- 
cifully helped ; but pressing on beyond my 
bodily strength, I was very ill when we got 
to Kelvedon, and lay by some days. 

* We went from thence to the Essex 
Quarterly Meeting, held at Coggeshall, and 
returned to Kelvedon, attended the week-day 
meeting there, after which rode on to 
Chelmsford, and the next day to [the 
house of my relation William "Storrs Fry at] 
Plashett ; where I was poorly, but got to 
Barking Meeting on First-day, and to the 
Monthly Meeting there on Third-day ; also 
to a public Meeting held by desire of Sarah 
Harrison of Philadelphia, which was a fa- 
voured season. On Fifth-day we attended 
a burial ; and going the next day to London, 
and resting there the day following, we were 



164 MEMOIRS Of 

at Wandsworth Meeting in Surry, on First- 
day. 

' We left it in the afternoon, for Esher, 
visited the families there, had a meeting at 
Kingston, and another at Croydon, and saw 
the Friends of two or three other meetings 
in our way to the Quarterly Meeting of Sur- 
ry, held at Godahning, which we attended 
ta satisfaction. We were also at a burial 
at Guildford, and calling at Wanborough, 
near that town, went thence home in two 
days, arriving at Melksham the 8th of the 
Fourth Month, 1797.' 



3A)|>^H STEPHEWSON. 165' 



CHAP. VIII. 

l\vo experiences — journey to Wales — extract of 
a letter — yearly meeting- — ^three memorandums 
— visits Ireland again— -her letter relative to that" 
subject-— short account of the journey — ^letter 
from Cork-?— from Castlebank— from Rathfri- 
landr-^extracts from others— an experience — 
paper, found without date. 

DURING the interval between the East-- 
ern journey related in the foregoing chapter, 
and one taken in the same year in nearly an 
opposite direction, our friend was favoured 
with the experience related in the two fol- 
lowing ineinorandums : 

Melksham, \^th of Sixth Month, irQf. 

This morning, when alone, my soul was 
sweetly, unutterably so, over-shadowed with 
the love and precious presence of the Belov- 



166 MEMOTRS OF 

edof my Soul; who was pleased to break 
in upon it with the effusion of adorable 
kindness ; under which I was enabled to 
supplicate the King of kings, through the 
medium of the pure Spirit of his Son, the 
Lamb immaculate, for preservation, and a- 
bility to such a poor despicable worm, to da 
whatsoever he might be pleased to employ 
me in; and humbly to crave preservation- 
through this vale of tears ; and at the close 
of time, that my poor spirit, through his 
adorable mercy, might be granted admit- 
tance, where for ever I might w^orship Him, 
with the Lord Jesus. Amen, — This, after 
a time of deep baptism,' 

1st of Eighth MoJith, 1797. 

' This morning, sweetly opened into the 
divine mystery of the coming of the adorable 
Son of the Highest, with the salutation of 
the angel to the mother of our dear Lord, at- 
tended with the precious feeling of his pure 
redeeming love to mankind, in order to pu- 
rify, so as to make meet for union and com- 
munion with Him while here, and everlast^ 



SARAH S'TEPHENSON. 167 

ingly to dwell with Him in a glorious eter- 
nity. O, my soul, may est thou ever reverently 
worship and adore, wdth aw^fulfear, the King 
of kings and Lord of lords, who is for ever 
worthy, and is still permitting babes and 
sucklings to bless and praise his holy name* 



Her next journey was again into Wales^ 
and Mary JetFerys was again her companion. 
North Wales was a principal object ; but 
the families of Friends of Worcester, and a 
few meetings in Warwickshire, were includ- 
ed in the prospect ; and either by name or 
implication provided for in the certificate. 
We have little account of the performance 
of this journey. 

The following extract of a letter WTitten 
at Pontypool, wdll show her feelings at the 
out- set, as her remark when she returned 
her certificate may, on the accomplishment 
of the journey. 



'168 MEMOIRS Gx 

^ 2,0th Ninth Mouthy \'i^1\ 

' My spirit rejoices at being favoured with 
the unity of the brethren. It is a great 
strength in low dipping seasons, which are 
often my portion. We have now entered 
the principaUty,^ cousin Mary JefFerys and 
myself, and our kind friend Joseph Naish 
(of Congersbury in Somersetshire) has, I 
think, freely given up to accompany us into 
North Wales. The prospect of this moun- 
tainous Country, the season of the year, for 
i^y pool* creaking tabernacle, is not without 
discouragement ; but I endeavour to look 
from them, and humbly, as much as possi- 
ble, lean on Him w^ho is strength in weak- 
ness, riches in poverty, and a true helper in 
the needful time, to the poor little ones, that 
trust in Him, and [have] not in all the earth, 

* There may be thought to be here an inaccuracy, Mon- 
mouthshire being called an EngUsh county— that is as to the 
judges' circuit. But the Welch language and manners prevail 
there as much as in some other Welch counties ; and it is es- 
teemed Welch so far as our meetings are concerned. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 169 

any thing that they desire in comparison of 
Him.' 

In the Twelfth Month, she had accom- 
plished her visit ; and she intimated to her 
Monthly Meeting that she had been divine- 
ly helped to pursue the prospects before her. 
The lonely situation of Friends in North 
Wales, seemed to have excited her sympathy, 
as was the case on a former visit, and she 
reminded her friends at home of their supe- 
rior accommodations, as a cause for grati- 
tude on their part. 

She attended the Yearly Meeting in 1798, 
which is the only journey of which there is 
any account : but the following are interest- 
ing memorandums of that year. 

' 10th of Second Month, 1798. My 
mind was sw^eetly consoled, after a season of 
deep hidden conflict, only known to Him, 
who sees his poor, mournful, stripped ones. 
But^for ever blessed be his holy name, who 
continues to be, to the poor wrestling mind, 
a refuge- tower, a.place of defence, where, in 
the appointed season, bread is given, and 
water is sure. 

P 



170 MEMOIRS OF 

' 28th of Second Month. This morning, 
hope was comfortably renewed, in the conti- 
nuation of the heavenly Father's all-sustain- 
ing, protecting, directing, holy arm of power, 
after a time of close trial both of body and 
mind. In unutterable condescension, I was 
also given to taste of the sweetness, which 
the safe-landed are in the full possession of ; 
and an humble hope was raised that, through 
adorable mercy, I should, when my conflicts 
are ended, be permitted to live in his holy 
presence for ever. 

* 22d of Tenth Month, 1798. Yesterday 
I was sixty years old. O, that the few days 
that may be added to my exercised allotment 
may be spent, according to my small mea- 
sure, to the honour of my blessed Lord and 
Master, who hath graciously been near for 
my help, and support, from my infant years 
to the present day ; and that gratitude and 
humble dedication, may be the constant 
companion of my tried mind ; and that I 
may not in seasons of close besetment, when 
fiery trials may surround, let go the anchor 
of hope and confidence in Him who hath 



SARAH STEFHENSON. 171 

been near in six troubles ; and that a grain 
of living faith in his adorable naercy may be 
granted, that he will support in the seventh. 
Thus, O Lord, be pleased to keep to the end, 
that at the end, through thy adorable mercy, 
my poor spirit may be admitted within the 
gates of thy holy city, for ever to live in thy 
presence. Thus, O, Lord, be pleased to 
do for me, one of the least,' 



In the Second Month, 1799, she applied 
for a certificate for the purpose of again visit- 
ing Ireland. Ireland was then the scene of 
civil war, which rendered the prospect of 
travelling in it alarming to her natural fears. 
The following letter to her relation Joseph 
Storrs, of Chesterfield, will show^ the manner 
in which it affected her, 

Melksbam^ 21st of Second 
Month, 1799. 

^ MY BELOVED COUSIN, 

' I received thy truly acceptable lines. 
Indeed I think it a favour to be remembered 



172 MEMOIRS Qf 

by my beloved friends ; and it is particulartj- 
s'o in low proving seasons, when the billows 
seem ready to overwhelm : which indeed 
has been, and is yet at times, the case with 
me, under the present awful prospect of what 
I apprehend is required duty. It is to visit 
the nation of Ireland, a prospect truly awful, 
as well as hazardous in various respects, un- 
der which nature shudders ; but may He 
who has an undoubted right to send by 
whom it pleaseth him, but keep my eye and 
heart mercifully stayed upon him in simple 
faith, love, and obedience ; so that if unmer- 
ciful men should be permitted to inflict 
hardships or death, if but the best life is 
preserved, it w-ill be an unspeakable favour. 
' I have had this prospect many years, and 
for the last twelve months, I did not expect 
so long a suspension ; but of late time [die 
concern] came so heavy, with a belief that I 
must no longer delay, that, at our last 
Monthly Meeting, I opened and spread my 
prospect before Friends : under which, I 
believe many minds were brought into near 
sympathy. As going out of the nation re- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 173 

quires the approbation of the Quarterly 
Meeting, should no obstruction arise, and 
my poor feeble frame be enabled to move, 
it cannot be before the latter end of next 
month. My beloved relations, I have no 
doubt of having your tender sympathy ; and 
I also crave your prayers for the preserva- 
tion of my best life ; and that the cause of 
Truth and righteousness may not in any wise 
suffer through me — not, if the mighty ocean 
should prove my grave. 

I remain your nearly, affectionate, exercised* 
cousin, 

S. S. jun.' 

The latter part of this letter is addressed 
to h Storrs and his wife. 

Sarah received in the Third Month a cer- 
tificate of the full concurrence of Friends of 
her Monthly Meeting ; yet solicitude for her 
personal safety engaged the minds of many. 
She was herself also not wholly free from 
apprehension. It was therefore thought not 
unsuitable that some friends should meet 
and have a serious conference, in order to 

E 2 



174 MEMOIRS OF 

consider of the right time for her to set for-, 
ward on her journey ; which, as has been 
said, wore an aspect of some perih They 
met accordingly, but the result of their de- 
liberation was a belief that it was best to 
commit her to the protecting care of the 
Lord, who had thus called her forth into re- 
ligious service ; and whose tender mercies 
are over all his works. 

The account which she has left of this 
journey is short, and, except as to the voy- 
age, far from being so circumstantial as pro- 
bably the interest which the reader may feel, 
would induce him to desire. After this 
manner she relates. 

' The Tenth of the Fourth TMonth, 1799, 
I left home with my former dear companion^ 
Mary Jefferys, jun. under the awful prospect 
of paying a religious visit to the nation of 
Ireland, if the way should open, and it 
should appear practicable in the perilous 
state of things in that land. In the way 
there, we attended a Quarterly Meeting at 
Shrewsbury, to a good degree of satisfac- 



SARAH STEPHENSOlsr. 175 

tion. We proceeded the same day, and the 
20th, reached Holyhead to dmner ; and 
about nine o'clock the same evening went 
aboard a packet for Ireland. A little before 
we left the inn an awful but sweet covering 
spread over us, under which we were bap- 
tized, so that fear was much taken away, and 
more than usual strength seemed afforded in 
the needful time. It is thou, Almighty 
Father, who art the supporter and preserver 
of thy poor depending children, under the 
shadow of whose wing is safety in every 
time of danger. 

We had rather a slack side wind so that 
the vessel made but little speed, but rolled 
much, and we were also becalmed about 
two hours, when I was affected with sick- 
ness, yet not to so great a degree as at some 
times. But He in whose hand the winds 
are, was mercifully pleased to keep my mind 
in such a state of calmness as calls for reve- 
rent thankfulness. About Eight, on Second- 
day morning, the 22d, we landed at Dublin, 
attended the Yearly Meeting there, which 
began the 27th, afterwards visited the diffe- 



176 MEMOIRS OF 

rent meetings of Friends, also families at 
Cork, Limerick, Youghall, Moat, Dublin, 
and Enniscorthy, staid the Yearly Meeting 
in Dublin, in 1800 ; and then, accompanied 
by our kind friend Joseph Williams of Dub- 
lin, the 8th of the Fifdi Month, went to 
Waterford. Next evening we embarked for 
Milford, where, after a trying passage, the 
%vind being unfavourable, we landed about 
Nine on First-day morning, the 11th, and 
had a meeting with the few friends there in 
the evening. Next day, we had an appoint- 
ed meeting at Haverfordwest, and then pro- 
ceeded directly homeward, and reached 
Melksham the 15th after a laborious and 
perilous journey. 



Here is the account of a year's labour dis- 
patched in a few lines ; but though our 
friend has been here thus brief in descrip- 
tion, the chasm may be well supplied by 
some letters to her relations, written during 
the journey. 



SARAH aXEPHENSON. if? 

The first extract is from one to her cous- 
in, Joseph Storrs. 

' Cork, 18th of Seventh Month, 1799. 
*For some weeks past, we have been 
closely engaged in visiting families here; but 
as my beloved relations, I know, are much 
interested in our welfare, I shall endeavour 
to give a little account of our movements 
since leaving Dublin. We attended the 
Yearly Meeting, a time of deep exercise ; 
but gracious help was mercifully granted, 
for a simple discharge of duty ; but to relate 
some things respecting this land would not 
be best until we may be favoured to meet, 
if so in the orderlngs of best Wisdom. We 
left Dublin on the Fifth day after the close of 
the Yearly Meeting, went that day to Balli- 
tore, and the next morning to the Monthly 
Meeting at Carlow ; a place thronged with 
military men, and where much blood had 
been shed ; from thence to Kilconner, and 
so to Enniscorthy, where grievous devasta- 
tion has been made. We lodged at a friends' 
house at the fgot of Vinegar Hill, where 



178 MtEMOIRS OF 

such numbers of lives were lost ; and tte 
friend had been taken up the hill by the in- 
surgents, after having taken leave of his 
%vife and family, expecting to be shot ; but 
ihey were not permitted to do him any per^ 
sonal injury. We went from thence to 
Ballintore, to Coolandine and Forrest, where 
Friends had suffered very greatly in their 
property, and had expected to lose their 
lives. At one friends' house at Forrest, 
about eight men came with full purpose to 
murder, as was believed, and they queried 
one of another why they did not begin, say- 
ing, wliat did they come for. But as the 
friend and the family were with them in the 
kitchen, such a calm came over them that it 
was like a solemn meeting, so that the men 
seemed to be chained by a power that they 
could not account for, and went away with- 
out doing the family any personal injury. 
Many women were waiting in the court ; 
ready, as was believed, to plunder when the 
men had murdered. These women seemed 
much disappointed at losing the booty. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 179 

^ Many other affecting accounts we had in 
passing from place to place through the coun- 
ty of Wexford. In one place we passed near 
a barn in which one hundred and seventy pro- 
testants were burned alive ; and we saw hun- 
dreds of houses in ruins in passing along. 
Though the accounts in England were affec- 
ting ( Youghall, 23d) I think they did not by 
far come up to what we have heard from 
friends here. The last place we were at in 
the county of Wexford was Ross, where the 
wonderful interposition of Providence was 
such, that General Johnson, who was chief 
in command, said, as I was informed, that 
that day's work mu^t not be attributed to 
man, but to the Almighty. Ross is about 
eight miles from Waterford. 
- * Before I drop this moving subject, it 
seems right to mention the wonderful pro- 
tecting arm of the Most High round the 
members of our society, so that none (ex- 
cept one who left the house and fled to arms 
for protection, lost their lives in these vio- 
lent commotions : for many other innocent 
protestants were cruelly murdered. I have 



180 MEMOIRS OF 

repeatedly had to say, that the singular pro^ 
tection of Providence ought to be written as 
with a pen of iron, and with the point of a 
diamond on the hearts of Friends : never to 
Jbe erased, 

' Our kind friend Robert Fowler [her 
townsman who had gone over with her] ac- 
companied us, through the county of Wex- 
ford to Waterford, where he left us ; and 
where we staid near two weeks, and made 
many calls, like visiting families as far as it 
went. The next place was Clonmel, where 
we staid about a week, and were employed 
in a like manner, though not in a regular 
one. The next place was the meeting at 
Garryrone, and so to Youghall, where we 
staid six days, and were not wholly idle. 
The next place was Cork, where a partial 
visit would not be accepted ; and though the 
prospect was deeply affecting, yet as it ap- 
peared the way to peace, we entered on the 
arduous service in humble fear, and went 
through about eighty visits ; but the Quar« 
terly Meeting for Munster coming on, to be 
held at Youghall, it seemed right to attend 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 181 

it, and we have left the rest of the families 
until our return* 

' Being now at Youghall and the Quarter- 
ly Meeting being over, I think we may 
thankfully say, that the Master graciously 
condescended to own, with his good pre- 
sence, in this day of danger and dismay. 
Ah! the children's safety depends, on all 
occasions on their going down to the» valley 
and choosing the smooth stones for their 
slings, and then waiting for holy direction 
and power to convey them. O, may I be 
preserved through the perilous day in this 
fend, and every future day of my life, if 
many days are allotted me by divine Wis- 
dom : though that does not seem very like- 
ly ; for my frame seems considerably shaken 
since I came into this land. 



The following extract of a letter written 
on the way from Cork to Limerick, and at 
the latter place, gives an account of the com- 

Q 



182 MEMOIRS or 

pletion of the family visit, and of her final 
farewell to the Friends of Cork. 

^ Castlebank^ 9th of Eighlh 
Months 17:^9. 

^ MY BELOVED COUSIN, 

I now sit down to salute you by a 
line after the close of an arduous visit to the 
families at Cork, Vv^hich was much extended 
by taking in all who attended our meetings^ 
whether in membership or not. 

;We have been closely engaged, and, 
through the renewed daily help of the Shep- 
herd of Israel, were enabled to finish the 
evening before the last ; and yesterday at- 
tended their meeting, in which had to take 
a sweet and solemn leave.' 

After some further narration not material 
to insert, she adds, 'may all within us bless 
his holy name, thankfully acknowledging that 
hitherto the Lord hath helped us ; and hum- 
bly beg that he will be pleased to continue near 
to preserve us, and direct all our movements, 
that so they may meet with holy acceptance, 
.and our poor spirits be favoured with that 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 183 

peace j which the world can neither give nor 
take away, 

* Limerick 11th. We were favoured to 
get here on Seventh-day evening, safe, 
though a good deal fatigued. Yesterday we 
attended both the meetings, and to-morrow 
is the Monthly Meeting, after which, I ap- 
prehend, we shall not find ourselves excused 
without sitting in the families, which is fresh 
cause of abasement, and reduction to the 
natural will, that so much desires to look to- 
wards a release, m order again to meet our 
beloved friends in our native land. But as 
we came not in our own wills, but I humbly 
trust in the Master's, may it be done in and 
by us through time ; and then, the various 
cups assigned us being drunk (which at 
times may seem mingled very bitter), we 
may hope that adorable mercy will permit 
our spirits to rest for ever with him, in his 
blessed kingdom, where no alloy is known. 
This will be an ample reward for every sea- 
son of conflict. ' 



184 MEMOIRS OF 

The following is not indeed descriptive of 
her Irish journey ; but as it breathes the true 
language of consolation, and shows that a 
mind closely engaged in fulfilling its own 
share of religious duty, is still open to sym- 
pathy for the distresses of others, its inser- 
tion may please and benefit the reader. 

< Rathfriland^ 19th Eleventh Month ^ 1799. 

^ I find it a task to address my beloved 
cousin, after an event that so nearly affects 
her, and in which I am a large sharer. But 
resignation to the divine will is our duty, 
under the consoling evidence that my belov- 
ed friend and relation is taken from a scene 
of pain and trial, to a place in that glorious 
kingdom where no alloy is known, for ever 
to rest with Him whose glory the heaven of 
heavens cannot contain. These considera- 
tions forbid [us] to mourn ; though to feel 
when such tender ties are broken, I trust, is 
not displeasing to him who wept over Laza- 
rus : especially when [we are] enabled reve- 
rently to say, thy will, O gracious Father, 
be done. Ah! may these dispensations of 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 185 

unerring wisdom, be a means of more close- 
ly uniting our spirits to Him, who is the 
way, the truth, and the life ; that so we may 
indeed more feelingly know that our ^' Re- 
deemer liveth :" and that because he liveth 
wc live. May I think nothing hard that my 
gracious God may be pleased to order for 
me in this wilderness, and vale of tears, that 
so, when my measure of suffering is filled 
up, my poor exercised spirit may rest with 
Him who has been near in six troubles, and 
I humbly hope will not leave in the se- 
Vjenth :- — and may his ever blessed arm of 
help and tender succour be near, for thy 
preservation and support.' 

The remaining extracts are from letters 
to Joseph Storrs. They conduct the reader 
through much of the remainder of the jour- 
ney, and show the state of her devoted mind 
at its close, when safely returned to her own 
habitation. The letter which first occurs 
has several dates. It was begun in Ulster 
province, and finished at Dublin. 

Q2 



186 MEMOIRS 0>^ 

< My dear cousin's truly acceptable lines 
have lain much longer unanswered than has 
felt easy to me ; but the frequent and deep 
baptisms that have been my portion in this 
land and particularly in this province [Uls- 
ter] have rendered my mind unfit for salut- 
ing my beloved friends in a manner that I 
would desire to do ; though I think they 
were never more dear to me than since leav- 
ing my native land. But I desire not to 
utter the language of complaint with regard 
to my sufferings ; but for the cause, and 
them that make it suffer, I mourn. I desire 
I may patiently drink what further cups may 
be assigned to me, and be willing to suffer 
with the seed, which is indeed sorely op- 
pressed. But, under all, my dear cousin, 
the good Shepherd has been pleased to be 
mercifully near, to enable in a good degree 
to discharge what has appeared to be requir- 
ed duty ; though my passing along has been 
as under the mountains, and fears have at 
times so taken hold of my poor mind, as to 
doubt of living through : and indeed my 
frame is weakened considerably since being 



SARAH STEPHENSON 187 

here ; but with this I am not dismayed, if 
the best life is but preserved. The Quar- 
terly Meeting for Ulster is coming on, after 
which I hope we tnay soon feel a release 
from this province, and go to Dublin, which 
IS in the province of Leinster, where are 
four meetings unvisited. I hope we may 
look towards our own dear land, with a be- 
lief that \VQ have endeavoured to do what 
we could ; and if it be the blessed Master^s 
will to bring us over the great deep in safe- 
ty, that all within us will be enabled to bless 
his holy Name. But I dare not build upon, 
or much please myself with, the hope of a 
speedy release ; though not without a little 
or faint expectation of it. 

* My beloved cousins, you are near to me, 
and I do believe I am favoured to have 
a place in your remembrance with desires 
for my preservation every way. Well, may 
the God of all grace be with you and yours^ 
and with us poor pilgrims ; and if he see 
meet to favour us to meet in mutability, I 
humbly hope it will be with thanksgiving 
and praises to his holy Name. 



188 jHEMoirs of 

' Dear Charity Cook £of South Carolina] 
is confined here with the small pox. They 
have been out three days, and not a large 
burden, and at present not unfavourable 
symptoms appear. 

' Stramore, 29th of Eleventh Month, five 
miles from Lurgan, where we intended to 
go to-morrow, to attend the Quarterly Meet- 
ing. — We are returned from the Quarterly 
Meeting and found dear Charity very ill, the 
doctor doubting her getting over that night, 
but yesterday and to-day the disorder seems 
more favourable. 

' 6th of Twelfth Month- The attendance 
of the Quarterly Meeting, with some other 
meetings there, was closely exercising ; but 
I trust we were in our right places, as on 
my return I felt peace Fulness ; and as to 
great things I do not expect them, being one 
of the little ones, but desire to be faithful to 
what the Master may be pleased to require, 
though through very deep baptisms, which 
indeed has been the case in the attendance 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 189 

0f this Quarterly Meeting.^ Hannah Bar- 
nard and companion are here. 

Dublin, 11th of Twelfth Month, 1799. 
We got here last evening much fatigued. 
We left Charity Cook with the appearance 
of a favourable recovery.' 

Enniscorthy^ 4th of Fourth Month^ 1800. 

^ THE cause of my not writing arose 
from a hope of a more speedy release froiu 
this land ; and though the detention has 
been long, and much increased by the large 
field of labour in Dublin, yet I dare not ques- 
tion the propriety of it ; as I had painfully 
to taste what the consequence of omission 
would have been. The service was very 
arduous, extending to comers to meeting, 
and disowned persons, so that with these 
and the members we had more than two 
hundred and thirty sittings ; which were not 
finished before Sixth-day week in the even- 
ing ; and we left Dublin next morning for 

* This is the district in which, not long* after, so much dis- 
sension prevailed, and where many left the Society of Friend'Sv 



190 MEMOIRS OF 

the county of WiclUoV, where we had not 
been. There are but few of our society. 
We are now in the county of Wexford, on 
a family visit at Ennis€orthy. I had a view 
of it when we were there before, but that 
did not seem to be the time. I expect we 
shall get through this, and I hope some 
other little service, so as to get up to Dub- 
lin, to the Yearly Meeting ; after which, I 
humbly hope and expect we shall set our 
faces homewards^ which is truly desirable s 
but above all things that He who hath mer- 
cifully been with us hitherto, will be pleas- 
ed to continue with us to the end of our la- 
bours here, and accompany us with his good 
presence to our native land; that his pre- 
serving power may keep us to the end of our 
pilgrimage here, and that, when time ends, 
our spirits may for ever rest, in joyful peace 
and holy consolation. 

^ My beloved cousins, if in the ordering 
of best wisdom, we should meet in mu- 
tability, it seems very desirable ; but at 
times I feel an increasing desire for a 
greater degree of resignation of my own 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 191 

own will, that the great Master's will may 
be more perfectly done in and by me. I 
feel little ability for writing ; but on looking 
over our travails in this land, which seem 
now to be winding up, and how our graci- 
ous holy Helper has been near to preserve 
and give ability to perform vvhat little servi- 
ces he was pleased to require of me, it hum- 
bles all within me, and leads reverently to 
bless his holy Name: breathing in humble 
fear at the footstool of his awful Majesty, 
this language, I am but an unprofitable ser- 
vant. Farewell, my beloved rehitions* May 
the God of all grace be with and keep you 
and us while on earth, and cause us to meet 
again in uninterrupted peace, joy, and holy 
consolation, is the humble breathing of your 
nearly aftectionate exercised cousin, 

S- S.> 

The following was written from Melk- 
sham in the Fifth Month. 

^ I HAVE thankfully to commemorate 
the goodness of adorable mercy, in carrying 



19^ MEMOIRS OF 

US through so arduous a journey, I hope 
safe in all respects; and have now to look 
back with a peaceful evidence of having been 
in the line of required duty. But though I 
trust this is the case, I know I am one of 
the weaklings of the flock, and have nothing 
whereof to boast. And indeed I have often 
wondered that such a one as I, should be 
called forth; and when I look around, and 
see many whose abilities are so great it sinks 
my mind into admiration of condescending 
goodness to make use of me. And Ah! 
May I, the few fleeting days that may yet be 
behind, be enabled so to steer, that my poor 
little bark may arriv€ at the port and haven 
of rest.' 

The materials collected afford nothing for 
the remainder of the year ; but the follow- 
ing: 

' 28th of the Eighth Month, 1800. This 
morning sweetly refreshed with the precious 
streams of pure consoling love, to the 
strengthening and encouraging of my poor 
drooping exercised mind : to an increasing 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 193 

trust in that mercy and power that hath in 
many seasons borne up my head, when the 
waves of deep baptisms and sore conflict 
seemed ready to overwhelm, and made way 
amidst opposing spirits, that seemed ready 
to defy the armies of IsraePs God.' 

As the -reader is now advancing towards 
an end of the relation of the various exercises 
of this dedicated friend, in her native land, 
the following paper, found without a date, 
may in this place meet his eye, and engage 
his perusal with acceptance* If the publica- 
tion of these memoirs should be the means 
of discovering the time, the place, and even 
the persons to whom it relates, a future edi- 
tion may have the occurrence in its due or- 
der of time. But as the sort of intimacy 
which we gain with the pious, by surveying 
such of the secret operations of Truth on 
their minds as they think fit to disclose, are 
often encouraging to those who are desirous^ 
of taking their own share in the spiritual la- 
bour of their day, such will probably esteem 

R 



194 ^ MEMOIRS OF 

it a grateful conclusion of the present chap- 
ter. 

' I went,' says she, ' to the funeral of a 
beautiful young plant in a neighbouring 
county. She was about eighteen years of 
age. My mind was much impressed in the 
meeting with this language, *^ Blessed are 
the dead that die in the Lord, &c." and with 
it I stood up. Life mercifully attended, to 
the tendering of many minds, and to the 
peace of my own. I felt a desire to stop a 
few days with the family, and had some sa- 
tisfactory opportunities. On the First-day, 
I felt some movir^^s oh my mind to be at a 
meeting a few miles distant ;- and the father 
and one of the sisters of the deceased accom- 
panied me. As I rode along my mind was 
drawn into an abstracted state, so that I felt 
an entire detachment from visibles, and as 
though I had no connections on earth ; and 
I was much absorbed in divine love, under 
which my spirit did humbly rejoice. Under 
these heavenly feelings, I rode a considera- 
ble way; but of this sweet enjoyment, I felt 
an abatement, and was gradually centered in 



SARAH STEPHE.NSON, 195 

a state of great poverty ; in which state I 
went to meeting. And as I sat, though in 
great weakness, the state of the meeting was 
opened before me, and J had to see the state 
of mar^y individuals ; but for a considerable 
time felt no commission to move^ until a 
friend, who did not belong to that meeting, 
appeared. ^ I then felt the movings of life, 
and when he sat down, it seemed my place 
to stand up ; and utterance w^as given, and 
the baptizing power of Truth was felt, to the 
melting of many spirits present ; and to the 
great abasement of my own before Him, to 
whom belongs all praise, thanksgiving and 
honour, who is for ever wgrthy. 

* The reader, not conversant with the writing of Friends, 
may be infer riied, >:his word is elliptical, meaning, appeared in 
the office of a minister > 



196 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAP, IX. 

Visit to America — Letters^ — leaves home — em- 
barks — the voyage — New York — family visit 
there — yellov/ fever — -Long Island — various 
services — quits New York — JQurney to Phila- 
delphia — family visit in Pine-Street Meeting- 
laid up—- goes to Germantown— soon returns 
to tlie city — confined to the chamber — -visit of 
Mehetabel Jenkins — state of mind, and expres- 
sions near the close — Her decease—abstract of 
a testimony, &c. — conclusion. 

WE are now drawing towards the last 
travels ofthis indefatigable labourer,. We 
have seen the early arisings in her heart of 
divine love. We have remarked its increase, 
and have had occasion to observe how she 
became willing to be the instrument of con- 
veying to others, some portion of that bread, 
on which she delighted to feed. In pursuit 
ofthis object, and at the call of duty^ we have 



SARAH STEFHEJrsON. 197 

beheld her travelling in every district of these 
nations where Friends are settled. In pro- 
portion to the interest which v*^e have taken 
in the narration, we may be said to have 
been the witnesses of her conflicts, and al- 
most to have partaken in her baptisms. But 
neither her cup of suffering nor of consola- 
tion was by these completely filled. A pro- 
spect of further servi<:e had been long open- 
ing on her view ; anel when the right time, 
for opening on the labour, appeared to have 
arrived, she did not suffer her feeble health, 
already impaired by past exercises, to ope- 
rate as an insurmountable discouragement. 
She had often been strengthened by faith ; 
her faith, by this time, was strong :by long 
experience ; and she was prepared to follow 
her belovecl Lord, either to life or death. 

Thus in the Second Month, 1801, in a 
very weighty manner, she laid before her 
Monthly Meeting, her concern to visit 
Friends on the continent of North America : 
her feelings on which occasion cannot, pro- 
bably, be better conveyed to the reader thaa^ 
R 2 



198 MEMOIRS OF 

b)^ the following extract of a letter to her re- 
lation> Joseph Storrs. 

' Melhkam^ 4th of Third Jlonth^ 1801. 

' I HAVE been confined to my chamber 
about a month, with a complaint, I believe, 
much owrng to deep exercise of mind ; and 
the first time of my getting to meeting was 
at our last Monthly Meeting : though under 
great weakness of body, and heavy exercise 
of mind. But, being reduced to obedience^ 
I w^as enabled to lay before our Friends, a 
prospect which had for many years attended 
my mind> My dear cousin, it is nothing 
less than to go to America. I have admired 
that such a poor creature should be called to 
service of such magnitude r and so at times 
let in an apprehension. that Friends would 
think me quite unfit ; and then, I should be 
excused on that ground. But as the con- 
cern was spread before them, the meeting 
seemed dipped into great sympathy ; and, I 
believe, under divine influences the language 
of encouragement was in a tender affecting 
manner handed. So at home there seems no 



SARAH STfiPHENSON. 199 

obstruction ; and if at London there should 
be none, and my health permit^ its likely we 
shall soon prepare to embark. I say we, 
because my dear cousin Mary Jefferys felt 
herself so bound to the service, that she be- 
lieved she should forfeit her peace if she did 
not give up to it ; which, in a solemn man- 
ner she informed Friends of, at the same 
time : which was> I believe, very cordially 
united with. 

* Now my dear cousin, thou and my dear 
cousin Mary have tenderly felt with me un- 
^er varied [various] exercises ; and indeed 
I now claim it afresh in a particular manner ; 
with your prayers for preservation in every 
way : being indeed a poor creature, but very 
desirous of being preserved from bringing 
any shade on the blessed Truth, whatever 
becomes of this poor body. 

* I remain thy truly affectionate, exercised 
Gousiny 



2K)(T MEMOIRS OF 

To the foregoing, the succeeding extract 
of a letter to the same friend, is a suitable 
appendix. It further demonstrates the te- 
nour of her mind ; and leads through another 
step of the preea;Ution enjoined by our dis- 
cipline, as a preliminary to travels on reli- 
gious service in foreign parts. 

Melksham, Wth of Fourth Month ^ 1801. 

* YOUR tender sympathy under the bap- 
tizing power of Truth, hath bowled my spi- 
rit under a sense of my unworthiness ; and 
raised thankfulness for the near unity of my 
dear friends, on this awful prospect. May 
every future step of my life (a poor worm,) 
be ordered in the r ure fear of Him who has 
a right to make use of the weak of this 
world: that so the continuation of this pre- 
cious unity may be mercifully granted, to 
the close of my days, whether they be many 
or few. For oh ! the unity of the brethren 
is to me exceeding precious ; and even with 
this blessing, under the many conflicts and 
sore baptisms, in the course of my little ex- 
perience in journeys, my faith hath often 



SAR/iH STEPHENSON. 201 

been tried, as to an hair's breadth ; and I do 
not expeet an easier path ^ but how must it 
be without the unity and sympathy of Zion's 
faithful travellers f 

* Our Quarterly Meeting was held here 
last week, when, to my humbling admira- 
tion, a current spread, of tender sympathy^ 
and^ as Friends expressed, of unity. 

' r remain, &c. 

S. S.^ 

AFTER this our friend attended the 
Yearly Meeting. In the meeting of minis- 
ters and elders, she opened her view of visit- 
ing the American continent witli^ much 
weightiness of spirit, and obtained its con- 
currence and a certificate. Her services in 
the sittings of the Womens' Meeting, and 
the humility which appeared to clothe her 
mind, are said to be very edifying. She 
promoted and assisted in the writing of an 
epistle from that meeting, thus, as she ex^ 
pressed it, relieving herself of a little debt 
which she seemed to owe to her sisters in 
this land, before she left them, and as it 
proved finally. 



i02 MEMOIRS OF 

Having now obtained the full concurrence 
of all the meetings which are appointed to 
watch over concerns of a nature so important, 
she returned home to Melksham, which town 
or its neighbourhood had been her residence, 
when she could be said to have a home, for 
nearly thirty years. But she soon left it 
again, and went to Bristol, her port of em- 
barkation, in the latter part of the Sixth 
Month, accompanied by her justly dear 
friend, relation, and companion, Mary Jef- 
ferys, jun. who was also furnished with cer- 
tificates of the full unity of Friiends. About 
an hour before she went from home, being 
in her chamber, having only with her one of 
the sisters of her companion, who was much 
affected with the probability of a long sepa- 
ration, she said to her, '. I feel nothing more 
' to do here. If I staid with you, I should 
be no comfort to you.' And she observed 
that the crov/n was at the end of the race. 

Let us now attend to her own narration, 
which she has left nearly in the following 
words : 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 203 

^ The 8th of the Seventh Month, 1801, we 
went on board the ship Unele Toby, Elihu 
Doty, captain, lying at Pill near Bristol. 
We staid two nights, but the wind being 
contrary, we came on shore the 10(:h to a 
Trend's house about two miles di^stant, w^here 
we also staid two nights, and then w^ere call- 
ed up early, the wind being tolerably fair, 
though the weather was unsettled. The 
captain, being very anxious to get out, set 
sail ; but in a few hours we had a head wind, 
and a very rough sea, so that I apprehend 
we were in considerable danger. On Se- 
venth day night, ^ I was very ill, not able to 
undress, but got into my birth. On First- 
day morning the pilot thought it best to run 
back' from the Holmes to King-road, which 
we reached by noon, -and then anchored. 
About three o'clock, I was helped out of 
my birth, and about five, we had a meeting 
in the cabin. The captain, his wife and 
sisters, also the pilot and some of the stee- 

* Here is some mistake. Slie came on shore the lOtb, whicli 
was Sixth-day. She says she staid two nights on shore. Kow 
hen could she be sick on board on Sevenlh-dav. 



QOd MEMOIRS OF 

rage passengers sat^ withois. It was a sea« 
son that I trust was owned by Him whose 
ways are ways of^/onder. On Second-day, 
the 13th^ in the afternoon, we went on shore 
again, but it ivas with difficulty that I got io 
oiir kind friend's house, feeling much bodily 
w^eakness ; but there I was tenderly nursed. 
The stormy weather had occasioned our 
friends at Bristol to be very uneasy about 
us. On their being informed that we were 
on shore, my dear sister with divers others 
of our affectionate friends soon came to see 
us; and I believe, with us were reverently 
thankful to the great Preserver of men. It 
was a favourable circumstance to me that the 
wind continued unfair for several days, for 
in tliat time I recruited considerably ; and on 
Sixth-day, the 17th, we went on board, and 
sailed about eleven o'clock in the morning : 
passing several vessels of different descrip- 
tions. The 18th, towards evening, w^ cast 
anchor in sight of Ilfracombe, Devonshire, 
and lay by a few hours waiting for the tide. 
The neict day being come to Lundy-island, 
the pilot left us early in the morning ; and 



SARAH STEPHENSON* 205 

this day we lost sight of English ground* 
On the 23d having had a brisk wind since 
the 19th, and part of the time pretty much 
^ft, we had got forward upwards of six hun- 
dred miles. The next day the wind w^as 
right ahead ; and the 25th a brisk gale, with 
lightning and a pretty heavy storm in the 
morning. In the afternoon a vessel hailed 
ours by a gun, and soon made up to us, put 
out the boat, and sent an officer on board to 
examine the captain. But he soon return- 
ed as we were not a prize for this ship, 
which was a ship of the line, called the St. 
Alban's from Nova Scotia, bound for Ply- 
mouth or Portsmouth, and convoying two 
ships laden with masts. 1st of the Eighth 
Month. For several days many of the pas- 
sengers have been Very sick, in part from the 
great motion of the vessel, particularly one 
night which was almost tempestuous. The 
10th we got near, or quite on to the grand 
banks of Newfoundland ; and the next day 
a boat from our vessel went to a fishing 
schooner that lay pretty near, from which 
we had a plentiful supply of cod-fish ; and 

S 



^06 MEMOIRS OF 

besides these our men caught many large 
ones. The 12th the sailors saw a log float- 
ing which they took in tow. A great num- 
ber of small fish soon followed it, some of 
which were taken, and proved very good. 
The log was nearly covered with barnacles, 
which I believe, attracted the small fish. 
The 13th, we were in 54 fathoms water, 
and the 14th got off the banks of Newfound- 
land, the weather being much warmer.- On 
First-day, the 23d, the wind was quite a- 
head. After we wercrgone to bed, the mate 
called up the captain, apprehending danger* 
It proved to be a sea-race. There was also 
thunder, lightning, and heavy rain for some 
time, so that we had a disturbed night. The 
next day the wind continued a-head, and we 
came to soundings in sixty fathoms water, 
near George's bank. On the 25th, was a 
fine morning and a fair wind, and we went 
seven knots an hour. In the afternoon, the 
wind was rough, and there was a swell of 
the sea, so that it was with difficulty we 
could keep our seats:; but it became stiller 
by bed-time. 



SARAH STEPHENSON, 207 

' The 27th of the Eighth Month we shall 
have been on board six weeks to-morrow ; 
and I apprehend we are now about two hun- 
dred miles from New York. The passage 
thus far has on the whole been favourable, 
though not without storms of thunder, light- 
ning and rain, with high and squally winds, 
but not of long continuance. Inrleed the 
language may justly be adopted, '' Great and 
*' marvellous are thy works. Lord God Al- 
^' mighty. Just and true are thy ways, thou 
•^ King of saints." 

' To relate all I have passed through from 
various causes,, would take much time and 
paper, neither do I feel much inclination to 
attempt it.. Let it lie buried in the deep re- 
cesses of my heart, until called for, for the 
benefit pf poor tried travellers, or to have 
recourse to, for my own instruction, benefit 
and^ encouragement. And may I be quali- 
fied to say, ''1 know that my Redeemer 
liveth," being thereby enabled to drink the 
future bitter cups that may be assigned, 
with increasing submission and wiUingne&s : 
that so the reward of the willing servant may 



208 MEMOIRS OP 

be mercifully granted to me, one of the 
weaklings of the flock. When I have been 
led to look back, and to remember th^^mity 
and sympathy, which my dear friends ex- 
pressed, it has caused me greatly to admire 
and, being permitted to feel something of a 
sweetly cementing fellowship of spirit, since 
enclosed in this floating house, may I be so 
preserved, and enabled so to move, that my 
spirit may be permitted to unite with the 
Lord's humble tribulated faithful servants, in 
the land to which I am bound ; that no re- 
flection may be cast on those who have 
certified for me, nor on those who publicly 
or privately expressed their unity, and ten* 
der sympathy ; but, above all that the bles- 
sed cause may have no shade brought on it 
through me. 

* About Five in the afternoon, the 28th, 
the captain espied land, which proved to be 
Long-island. It was seen pretty clearly; 
but the wind being quite a-head, we could 
not get forward : a light squall in the even- 
ing. On the 30th, the wind was fair, but 
we lost sight of land for a while. In the 



3ARAH STEPHENSON. 209 

evening a pilot came on board, and inform- 
ed us that New York is healthy. We lay 
at anchor that night, and next day moved 
early in the morning, the weather rough, 
with thunder, lightning, and rain. In the 
afternoon, we were favoured to land safe, and 
were kindly received at Robert Bonne's, who 
came with a boat, and conducted us from; 
the vessel to his house* My mind with my 
dear companions^ were, I believe, deeply 
humbled with acknowledgements to the God 
of all grace, for the favour of being brought 
safe to land. 

* On our arrival at New York, or a day 
or tw^o afterwards, the weather became ex- 
tremely hot, which, with the musquitos, af- 
ter being much exhausted with sickness at 
sea, and confinement on ship- board, was 
very trying : so that a little rest in the coun- 
try was highly needful, and proved salutary. 



♦ Besides her companion Mary Jefferys, there went in the 
s^ame ship Samuel Smith, of Philadelphia, a ministering friend, 
returning" from a religious visit to friends in Ireland* and 9f)me 
parts of England. 

S 2. 



^10 MEMOIHS OF 

After this we went on the Main,t and visit- 
cd five meetings; then passing again through 
New York, to Long-island, we visited meet- 
ings there. After this, we returned to the 
city, and I laid before the members of the 
meeting of ministers and elders, a concern 
to visit the families ; with which they con- 
curred : and the Yellow Fever having bro- 
ken out, it was an engagement increasingly 
solemn. Yet feeling it right to begin, and 
many of the members being in the country^ 
we visited divers of those families, as it was 
not thought prudent for us to be much in the 
city ; and I trust and believe it was in the 
right time \ a season when the rod seemed 
to be awfully held over the city ; and when 
the gracious gathering arm of Omnipotence 
was extended, for the help of those who 
were willing to be gathered. 
. * Now the Quarterly Meeting to be held 
on Long-island coming on, it seemed right 

•j- New York stands on an island, separated from the conti- 
nent by a narrow channel, which extends from the Norllr, 01* 
Hudson's River, to what is called the East River, but which is 
rather an ar» of the sea^ on the north of Long-Island. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 2tl 

to attend it ; so we crossed the East river^ 
at a ferry called Hurlgate, and rode to Flush- 
ing \vhere it was held. The meeting of mi- 
nisters and elders was held tlie 2 1st of the 
Tenth Month, a season of deep exercise, 
but owned by the Master. That day I was 
sixty-three years of age. On the 22nd, the 
men and women sat together for about an 
hour, during which a good degree of solem- 
nity was felt to spread : then separating^, 
each part went to its business. It was a 
time of deep exercise to me. I was led in- 
to very close, but affectionate labour; and I 
humbly hope the meeting ended to satisfac- 
tion. On the 23d was a large public meet- 
ing, in which my spirit w as deeply baptized 
and after sitting about one hour in silence, 
which to me was solemn and awful, I felt it 
my place to stand up, to deliver matter as it 
might open, much of which was very close 
and searching ; but a stream of comfort and 
encouragement flowed to the exercised tra- 
vailers : and of this description there are on 
this island ; unto whom my poor and deep, 
ly exercised soul was united. On the 25th^ 



212 MEMOIRS OF 

we went to Westbury, and after meeting the 
next day at Westbury, to Newtown. The 
27th^ we again crossed the ferry, and went 
to Mamaroneck about twenty- three miles, 
and next day to the meeting of ministers 
and elders at Purchase, which began at Ten, 
and was a low exercising time. On the day" 
following was the meeting for business, and 
while the men and women sat together, I 
was closely engaged : but gracious help w^as 
afforded, under the covering of love, to deal 
plainly. There was also a large public 
meeting, in which I was largely exercised. 
I humblv trust, life was felt in a good degree 
over the meeting. In the afternoon we rode 
to Mamaroneck, and the 30th to Harlem. 

* Though deep and close baptisms, and 
close exercise, have been my daily portion, 
yet I have cause for reverent thankfulness^, 
for having been mercifully helped thus far ; 
and I humbly hope the cause of Truth has 
not suffered by me. ' 

Here ended her memorandums ; but in 
a letter, dated near Rahway^ the 28tband 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 213 

30th of the First Month, 1802, she mentions 
the accomplishment of the family-visit at 
New York, nearly as follows : 

' Though my mind was often low, yet 
merciful Goodness was underneath, so that 
through the renewing of daily help, that 
arduous service at New York was finished 
under the feeling of peaceful serenity. We 
had about two hundred and eighty sittings, 
besides attending meetings, and other oppor- 
tunities of religious service : so that I was 
much spent, and my poor shattered frame 
wanted to be recruited by a little rest. But 
New York did not seem the place for it, 
though the kind friends at whose house we 
lodged, although our stay was so long, 
manifested, if it could be, increased sympa- 
thy and love. So, feeling easy to leave the 
city, my desire was strong to be moving for- 
ward, and as the roads at that time were 
bad, went, on the 23d of the First Month 
on board a small vessel, to Elizabeth Town 
Point, in Jersey. After taking refreshment 
there, we went in a waggon provided for us 
to Rah way ; an^l the next day, being First- 



214 MEMOIRS OT 

^ay, attended the two mGetings there. 
Second-day forenoon was spent in visiting a 
school and some families. In the afternoon 
we came here [the place of writing] and was 
taken so unwell, that I eould hold up no 
longer, but soon got to bed, my head being 
in violent pain, with great oppression on 
Riy chest, attended with spasms. After be- 
ing prevailed on to take some medicine, I 
was somewhat relieved of the pain in my 
head; and if I continue mending I hope we 
may set off in a few days for Philadelphia, 
without taking many meetings by the way, 
as the roads are yet very bad. 

The 31st, being better, though yet very 
weak, she proceeded accordingly, attending, 
by the way, the meetings of Plainfield, 
Stoneybrook, Trenton, and Bristol, in all of 
which she was strengthened to labour, under 
the influence of that pure love, which sea- 
soned her communications, and evidently 
made way for them, to the edification or 
comfort of others, and to the peace of her 
mind. The 8th of the Second Month, she 
went to Frankford, where, being more un. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 2l5 

well, and having a rash out, and the weather 
bemg cold, she did not attend the week-day 
meeting held that day ; but in the afternoon 
being met by her dear friend Sarah Harrison, 
whom she had known in England, when on 
a rehgious visit there, and by some other 
friends from Philadelphia, she was desirous 
of returning with them the same evening as 
the distance was easy. 

After arriving at Thomas Harrison's 
where she met with a very cordial reception, 
several friends of the city called to speak to 
her. To one who a^ked her how she did, 
she replied, 'She was but poorly;' and 
added, rather in a pleasant manner, 'Will 
^j-e give me about six feet of ground? 1 
^ don't know but I am come to lay down my 
*poor body amongst you.' Sarah Harrison^ 
as well as others, was affectionately desirous 
of her taking rest, which appeared needful ; 
but after being nursed within, a k\v days, 
she went to meeting, and for several weeks 
attended the meetings in the city, generally 
as they came in course. The three Month- 
ly Meetuigs there happened about that time, 



216 MEMOIRS OF 

in which she produced her certificates, and 
had some tendering opportunities, which^ as 
she afterwards remarked, were relieving to 
her mind. ^' But she still continued languid; 
yet she imparted to Friends a view which 
she had of visiting the families belonging to 
Pine-street Meeting. This was acceptable 
information, and cordially received; but a 
desire was expressed by some, that there 
might not be a pressing forward beyond her 
strength. The engagement was accordingly 
entered on the 9th of the Third Month; 
but her w^eakness was such, that thre^ visits ' 
in the day were more than she was equal to 
without being much fatigued. She was 
therefore again obliged to submit to lie by 



* About this time twelve ot more Indians, coming to Phila- 
delphia on business, had a conference with Friends ; to whomi 
they applied for help or information. At this conference Sarah 
Stephenson was present, and was engaged to address them in 
a feeling suitable manner. Her address being interpreted to 
then., they expressed, in their w-ay, much satisfaction and ap- 
probation. They were toid by Nicholas Wain from whence 
vshe came, and on what account she had crossed the mighty 
waters. At parting, ihey appeared grave and solid, and were 
earnest to shake hands with her. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 217 

to be nursed ; but she said, that * the mak- 
* ing of the attempt had afforded her satibfac- 
^ tion, whether she lived to move further in 
'it or not.' 

After a while, as h&v strength did not in- 
crease, nor her complaints lessen, she was 
advised to go into the country for change of 
air ; so she went to the house of a kind 
friend at Germantown, where she continu- 
ed near two weeks and once attended the 
meeting ; but for the most part kept her 
room* She thought the air rather salutary 
at first ; but not finding any material bene- 
fit, she returned to the city, and went to the 
house of Samuel Fisher, it being within the 
district where she had begun her family vi- 
sit : her increased weakness was apparent by 
her not bearing the ride back, which was 
about seven miles, without much more fa- 
tigue than she experienced in going. She 
went soon to her chamber, and after the 4th 
of the Fourth Month, which was First-day, 
she came down stairs but once. On that 
First day, she was desirous of attending 
Pine-street Meeting, which she did ; but 

T 



218 MEMOIRS OF 

she was then in so weak a state that her be- 
in g^ there was matter of surprise to some. 
To a friend who was discouraging the at- 
tempt, fearing the fatigue would be too much 
for her, she said with great emphasis, I lo^De 
to go to meeting ! 1 lo'ce to go to meeting :^ 
and she remarked that * she had sometimes 
* surprised her friends at home by going 
' from her chamber to meeting when very 
^ poorly, and that at times she thought she 
' felt less pain and weakness of body there 
^ than at home ;' and she added, ' that those 
' who used their utmost endeavours thus to 
' ineet with their friends, would, she believ- 
^ ed, have satisfaction in looking back on it, 
^ when deprived of that privilege.' 

From this day, she v/as wholly confined to 
her room, and the 9th she took to her bed, 
only leaving it in order to have it made for 
several days. Afterwards she seemed rather 
better again, and sat up a considerable time 
in the middle of the day ; but she generally 

• This is a signal and encouraging testimony, from the mouth 
of one, whose freq'ient allotment in meetings had been deet> 
trarail, exercise and baptism. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 219 

bad very disturbed nights, being troubled 
with her cough and a restlessness from fever. 
She could bear but little company, stillness 
affording her complaints more alleviation than 
the kindness of friends in any other way 
could afford : and therefore she saw but few; 
But Mehetcibel Jenkins of Berwick, in Mas-^ 
sachus^:tts, who, as has been related, had 
known her in England, being in the city on 
religious service, and desirous to see herr 
paid her an acceptable visit. On the 12th 
sitting by her bedside^ after a time of silence, 
she sweetly addressed her, in testimony of 
her belief that the present dispensation was 
of the Lord, who does all for the best ; 
though his workings were sometimes in a 
way past our finding out ; yet always right ; 
and that whatever might be the termination 
of her bodily indisposition, she believed all 
would be well with her, and that there %vas 
nothing in her ijoay ; but that He whom she 
had long loved, and faithfully followed would 
be with her to the end ; that she felt great 
sweetness in sitting by her, and had an ap- 
prehension that she was near being gathered 



220 MEMOIRS 01 

to the sabbath of rest. With more in a 
comfortable way, bidding her dearly farewell. 
At that time, Sarah said very little ; but a few 
days after, referring to MehetabePs visit, 
she said, * Dear Mehetabel, if her view 

* should be verified^ it would be great favour 

* to me. I was very low in body, and so 

* weak at that time, that it seemed as though 

* I could hardly lift up my hand or move. 
^ I did not chuse to say so then ; but it did 
' feel to me that tbere was nothing In the 

* way.^ She also added, * It affords me no 

* pleasure, when any one speaks of my re- 

* covery being likely ; for through merci- 
Vful kindness, I humbly hope all would be 
' well if I was taken now ; and if I stay long- 
' er, it might not be better : so that none 
^ should desire my continuance in this state 
' of being, subject to conflict, and trials, of 
^ which I have endured so long a share ; and 

* even since being in this city deep have been 

* my baptisms, only fully known to my own 

* soul, and Him who knows for what cause 

* they are my portion.' 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 221 

The 19th and 20th, she appeared rather 
better, and sat up part of each day. She 
said she understood the doctor thought her 
better, but that she did not feel herself so. 
She inquired whether any thought she in- 
dulged too much, by thus lying by to be 
nursed, and she frequently acknowledged 
* what a favour it was that her allotment at 
this time was with such as were not only 
freely disposed, but of ability, to render [her] 
every comfortable accommodation, which her 
situation required.' 

Early in the morning on the 21st, she said 
she had been thinking much in the night of 
a young man, for whom she had been reli- 
giously concerned ; and she desired to have 
something written, that she wished to be 
conveyed to him ; but in general since her 
confinement, exercise of mind on account of 
others, seemed mostly taken from her ; hav- 
ing, as she observed when in better healthy 
done w^hat she could; and now wished others 
might feel for themselves. 

The 22d, a friend proposing to read a let- 
ter from one she knew, and loved, she asked 
T 2 



222 MEMOIRS OF 

whether it was interesting. A part of it was 
read ; but as she appeared indifFerent, the 
friend left off, lest it should fatigue her. On 
this, she said, ' I seem to be got past these 
' things;' and added after a pause, ' by 
saying so, I mean I do not wish to have my 
attention drawn out.' The same day, in a 
clear weighty manner she commissioned a 
friend with a salutation she felt to Friends in 
her native land. 

The 23d, about Five o'clock in the morn- 
ing, she was seized with a hard cough, which 
continued, without much respite for nearly 
or quite an hour, with a great discharge of 
heavy phlegm, so that she seemed almost ex- 
hausted, and it left symptoms which encour- 
aged her hope that her release from the con- 
flicts of time was near. About the middle 
of the day she gave some directions respect- 
ing the disposal of her clothes ; naming some 
who had come under her notice, to whom 
she thought little legacies might be accepta- 
ble and useful : her tender feeling for those 
in straitened circumstances, which was great, 
continuing to the last* Her companion be- 



SARAH STEPHENSON^ 223 

ing much affected with distress, Sarah took 
her by the hand, and affectionately entreated 
her not to give way to it ; saying, * She did 

* not know how it might be. She might yet 

* recover ; but it would be unkind to covet 

* her continuance, for whilst here, she ex- 

* pected to be a cripple, the weakness of her 

* limbs was so great, particularly her right 

* side. ' She also remarked what a favour it 
I was to her companion to be left among so 

many friends, who would extend their ten- 
der care, and that she believed she would be 
supported and rewarded ; desiring that * she 

* would not grieve for her^ as if consistent 

* with the will of her good Master, it would 

* be far better for her to be removed then % 

* and that she had never expected or desired 
^ to cross the water again.' One day the 
doctor proposing something to strengthen 
her stomach, she said to him, with a smile on 
her countenance, * Doctor, I did not want 

* thee to strengthen me. When I look to- 
' wards going, it feels so pleasant, thatit seems 

* like a trial to return.^ 



224 MEMOIRS OF 

The 24th, she said to one who was affect- 
ed by observing her increasing weakness-;— 
^ Don't be at all uneasy, I have been sweet- 
^ ly comforted by my good Master's pre- 

* sence*' To a friend who remarked that her 
'^ bed had been made in sickness." * Yes,' 
said she, ^ Wonderfully so.' Being then 
asked how she felt respecting her recovery, 
she replied, ' I have no prospect of it. I 
' believe I have finished the work. There 

* is nothing in the way. I have no care, but 
on account of my dear child.' By this term 
she meant her companion, and addressing 
her, she added, ^ But, my dear, thou hadst 

* nothing else to expect w^hen we left home.' 
Something being proposed for her to take, 
she said, ^ My friends propose things which 
' I sometimes comply with ; but it seems 

* precious to look towards release.' 

Her companion having told her that she 
felt quite satisfied in having come, and that 
she thought it a favour to be with her at that 
time, even if, by means of Sarah's removal, 
she should be left thus far from her native 
land, and her friends there, Sarah seemed al- 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 225 

most overcome with joy ; and said, * Now 

* how glad I am, how glad I am, that thou 

* hast told me this. It is enough. Oh, it is 
' a great comfort to me. Now I hope my 

* good Master will soon take me to rest; and 

* thou wilt be supported, and rewarded. 
' There is little here but trials, disappoint- 

* ments, and conflicts. Now don't hold me, 

* my dear. ' Then she seemed as if she would 
soon sink away ; but was heard to say, in 
a low, but melodious voice, * Glory, glory. '^ 
Soon after there came in a friend and his wife, 
whom she much loved ; and she said, * Dear 

* Thomas, may the blessing rest upon you. 
' May the blessing of the Lord rest upon you 
' and your house : as it did on the house of 

* Obededom, where the ark of the covenant 

* rested. Farewell, dear Thomas, farewell.' 

One day a friend asked her how she felt ; 
to whom she replied, ^ I have been remark- 
ably quiet for some days past ; I am some- 
times afraid too much so.' The friend re- 
turned, The great Master declared, '' In my 
*' Father's house are many mansions ;• ' and 
expressed her belief that if Sarah had not 



226 MEMOIRS OF 

been prepared to enter into one of these glo- 
rious mansions, He would have made her 
sensible of it, and would not permit her to 
lie in that quiet easy state of mind. With 
this remark Sarah seemed satisfied. But 
her strength was much decayed ; and on the 
26th of the Fourth Month, which was Se- 
cond-day, her breathing was become difficult 
*and painful, and she felt great oppression of 
body. This, said she, is wearing work : but 
nevertheless she lay very still, as she had 
been enabled to do during the whole of her 
illness ; and she several times desired not to 
be disturbed. After a hard fit of coughing 
with the discharge of much phlegm, which 
left her much spent, she said thus : — It will 
be right, let it be which way it may ; and 
that is better than all the world. It seems 
as if it must be nearly over now : I have so 
little strength left. A little after, she seem- 
ed to be uttering praises, saying. How good, 
how good ! and appeared like one engaged in 
sweet supplication. A friend asking her 
how she did, after a pause, she replied, I 
cannot say much : but my King reigns. 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 227 

Afterwards, at three different times, being 
very weak, and her voice low, she was un- 
derstood to say. Death-bed ; — I am passing 
away ; — Lord take me. 

Asking what o'clock it was, and being 
told about one, she said, Time passes slow- 
ly. FeeUng increased difficuhy of breathing, 
pain in her stomach, and great oppression 
at her chest, she said, * Give patience :' with 
which, that she was largely endued, those 
around her conld witness. Again bhe asked 
the time of the day, and said, ' I love quiet- 
^ ness, don't let me be disturbed.' Soonaf- 
ter, finding herself sinking fast, she seemed 
desirous of taking her last leave of those 
around her, and said, saluting them with her 
dying lips, ' Farewell, farewell.' 

Previously to her departure her conflict 
of body had some time subsided ; and a few 
minutes before seven in the evening, in the 
Sixty-fourth year of her age, quietly and 
sweetly she ceased to breathe. 

Here, Reader, pause, 

Dwell on the closing scene, and taste the 
blessedness of the death of those who die in 
the Lord ! 



228 MEMOIRS 01 



An Abstract of the Testhnony of the Monthly 
3Ieeti72g of Wiltshire. 

Our much beloved friend Sarah Stephen^ 
son, a member of this meeting for upwards 
of thirty years, having been one whose ex- 
am.j le preached sw^eet instruction, we desire 
the remembrance of it may have the same 
infliience, and be a further incitement to fol- 
low her, as she followed Christ, 

She was intrusted with a gift in the min- 
istry about the twenty-eighth year of her 
age. In the exercise of this weighty calling 
she was often engaged, under the persuasive 
influence of gospel-love to labour with the 
youth : for whose preservation in true sym- 
plicity, she fc t strong and affectionate soil- 
citude : that they might dedicate all to Him 
who loveth an earlv sacrifice, of which she 
was a great example. Her ministry was 
sound, tending much to raise into dominion 
the hidden life. For her path was often in 
the deep; and by such baptisms, she w^as 
enabled to minister to the states of the peo- 



SARAH 5TE1»HE^S0N 229 

pel in the power and efficacy of the gospel. 
Leaning on the arm of AH -sufficiency, she 
was made an eminently useful instrument. 

To adopt the expressions of a testimony 
\ve have received from New York, we can 
say, * She was peculiarly qualified to move 

* with propriety in that great work of going 

* from house to house : a meek and quiet 
♦deportment, a mind clothed with a spirit 
Tof love, and affectionate solicitude that all 

* might be gathered within the divine inclo- 

* sure, being conspicuous traits in the cha- 

* racter and conduct of our beloved friend.' 

With the afflicted, whether in body or 
mind, who came under her notice, she Was 
a true sympathizer. She frequently said 
she wished not to out-live this tender sensi- 
bility ; and she manifested it to the last- 
Near her close, she said, she had great satis- 
faction as she passed along, in having im- 
parted of her little to those that had less. 

In the sixty-third year of her age, she 
opened to Friends a prospect which she had 
long kept secret, of paying a religious visit^ 

U 



230* MEMOIRS OF 

to Friends in America. This undertakings 
seemed arduous ; more especially as her 
natural strength at that time had much de- 
clined ; but as she observed, it seemed of 
no consequence to her where her life might 
close, so that when the solemn period came, 
she was but %\)here and ixihat she ought to bcr 
She was much satisfied with having come 
to that land, which [among other meansj 
appears by a message, which, a few days be- 
fore her close, she seemed desirous to be 
conveyed to Friends in her native land, and 
[she accordingly] commissioned a friend 
with the following : I feel a salutation of 
gospel love flow towards them ; and have 
thankfully to acknowledge that I have met 
with those among faithful friends here, who 
have felt as fathers and mothers, brethren 
and sisters ; that I find the Lord's tenderly 
concerned baptized travailing children, to 
be the same every where ; and, though from 
my present weak state, it is rather unlikely 
I shall ever see them again in mutability, I 
am perfcdy satified with being with Friends 
in this land ; and quite easy as to the issue 



SARAH STEPHENSON 231 

of this my present indisposition : desiring 
the Lord's will may be done. 

During her illness she said that, though 
it was desii'able to her to go, yet if it were 
the divine will that she should again be rais- 
ed up, and introduced to her arduous line 
of service,^ she had felt sweet submission 
to it. But her work was mercifuLy cut 
short in righteousness ; and the sacrifice of 
a willing mind accepted by Him who thus 
manifested his love unto the end. 

She breathed her last the 26th of the 
Fourth Month, 1802, aged sixty-three years, 
a minister about thirty-six years. Her re- 
mains were interred in Friends' burial 
ground in Philadelphia, the 29th of the 
Fourth Month. As there is cause to be- 
lieve she answered to the description in the 
inquiry, '' Who is that faithful and good 
''•servant, whom the Lord shall make ruler 
^' over his household, to give them their 
'^ portion of meat in due season ;" we have 



*Tl)e reader may remember, she had begun a family-visir, 
in ,Pine-5treet Meeting, Philadelphia. 



i 



232 MEMOIRS m 

[also] the consoling belief that the annexed 
blessing was her reward : ^'Blessed, I say 
** unto you, is that servant, whom his Lord, 
*^ when he cometh, shall find so doing.'' 

Signed in and on behalf of the aforesaid 
meeting held at Melksham, the 14th of the 
Twelfth Month, 1^02. 

The Monthly Meeting of New York, the 
Quarterly Meetings of Westbury, and Pur- 
chase, the Southern Monthly Meeting of 
Philadelphia, also issued testimonies respect- 
ing this beloved friend, and the latter testi- 
mony was confirmed by the quarterly Meet- 
ing at Philadelphia. To insert all these tes- 
timonies might occasion more prolixity than 
service ; ^nd as the foregoing compilation is 
not only a tributie to the memory of Sarah 
Stephenson ; but is principally intended to 
animate its readers, by her example, to love 
the Lord, to follow on to know him, and to 
press towards the mark for the prize of the 
high calling of God in Christ Jesus, it may 
be terminated not unsuitably by an extract of 



SARAH STEPHENSON. 23^ 

a letter to a friend in England, written by the 
deceased, from the city of New York. 

^' Akhough, my dear, we are A^ery far out- 
wardly separated, this is not able to prevent 
sweet union of spirit, and humble interces- 
sion for strength to advance on, towards the 
holy city, where the saints solemities are 
kept. O, the joy that will there be reveal- 
ed, and for ever to remain, without alloy! 
That our poor feeble spirits may be daily en- 
gaged in this humble fervent travail, is the 
desire of my soul : that so, through adora- 
ble Mercy, we may be favoured to meet, ne- 
ver to part ; and, with the just of all gene- 
rations, [to] unite in the glorious, song of 
Moses and [of] the Lamb ! ' ' 



THE END. 



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